February 18, 2010

Plazo de Mayo dates from 1580 when the city was first laid out in accordance with Spanish law. In the center is the Piramide de Mayo, an obelisk built to mark the first anniversary of independence.

Taking up the entire east side is the back of the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. From these balconies politicians (and Madonna) have preached to the throngs when they looked for popular support.

In the background is the neoclassical Cathedral Metropolitana containing the guarded tomb of Jose de San Martin, the founder of independent Argentina.