Claustros del Pilar

Recoleta - Buenos Aires - Argentina

Next to the Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta) in Buenos Aires is the white Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar church which contains a historic museum worth visiting.

In 1716 King Felipe V of Spain gave permission for a chapel and a convent to be built on the site though it was not finished until 1732. In 1942 it was declared a Historic National Monument however the Claustros Históricos del Pilar (Historic Cloisters of Pilar) weren't open to the public until 1997.

The Claustros del Pilar now contains a museum on three levels where visitors can appreciate different works of art such as paintings and sculptures, as well as furniture, books and religious clothing dating from the 14th to 19th century. You will notice how the cloister has retained its original flooring, stairs and walls giving us brief glance back in time.

From one of the windows you will have a great view of all the mausoleums of Recoleta Cemetery from above.

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 10.30am - 6.15pm
Sunday: 2.30pm to 6.15pm

How to get there

Address: Junín 1904, Recoleta, Buenos Aires.

Take a bus that goes along Av. del Libertador and get off at around street number 2000 and head up the hill a block or so.

The closest subway station (subte) is Pueyrredón on Line D. From there you will need to go down the avenue of the same name (the street numbers should be increasing). It is at the end of the avenue on the right about 10 blocks from the subway.

The official site (in Spanish) of the Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar church where the museum is.

Photos of the Claustros del Pilar

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