San Telmo

Historically, San Telmo is famous for the violent street fighting that took place when British troops (at war with Spain) invaded the city in 1806 and occupied it until the following year, when the porteño (Buenos Aires) resistance became a counterattack.  The victory gave the city confidence in their ability to stand apart from Spain, and Buenos Aires gained independence only 3 years later.

We picked a Sunday (only day they have the fair) and took a trip down to San Telmo.  The Mercado and Feria were amazing, so many antiques!   

Mercado San Telmo

Built in 1897, this fruit and vegetable market (still functioning, as can be seen) takes up the whole interior of a block.  It also has areas selling antiques ranging from old baby carriages, bottle openers and old cappuccino machines, to coins dating from the 17th century.

Feria de San Telmo

Plaza Dorrego hosts this famous Sunday flea market.  The side streets are closed to traffic, and the plaza is filled with booths selling old collectibles.  Just outside the plaza, street performers (we saw live statues, puppeteers, and tango dancers) entertain the crowds. The hand puppet guys were so funny, every time someone threw them a coin, they stopped to yell, AY! and even posed for a picture for us.  They actually sounded good, too.

Dansk Kirke

This Danish Church, a neo-gothic building, was built in 1930. We were lucky enough to go in while there was an accordion player giving a concert.  We took pictures from the 2nd floor balcony, which I'm still not sure we were supposed to be on.

More pictures of San Telmo coming soon...

Pasaje San Lorenzo

Parque Lezama - This is the supposed site of Pedro de Mendoza's original foundation of the city in 1536.

Iglesia Apostólica Ortodoxa Rusa - This turn-of-the-century Russian Orthodox Church is the work of architect Alejandro Christopherson.