Palacio Barolo is more than an architectural marvel; it’s one of Buenos Aires’ most unique buildings, brimming with history, symbolism, and stunning design. With its striking tower and eclectic mix of styles, Palacio Barolo immediately catches the eye among the elegant boulevards and stately architecture of the city. Once the tallest building in South America, it still offers an incredible view over Buenos Aires from its summit. The intricate symbolism and inspired blend of architectural styles make this building a must-visit, and its unique design captures the imagination like few other places in the city.
I discovered Palacio Barolo while staying in a hostel just across the street. From the rooftop terrace, I had a direct view of its stunning façade, and the building’s mystique piqued my curiosity. After a bit of research, I learned that tours were available, and soon I was exploring one of Buenos Aires’ most intriguing spaces. Walking through its grand halls, noticing the carefully embedded symbolism, and reaching the top lighthouse view was an experience I’ll never forget.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the incredible symbolism, architectural styles, and how to plan your own visit to Palacio Barolo.
Where is Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires?
Palacio Barolo stands in the heart of El Centro, Buenos Aires’ central district, along the historic Avenida de Mayo. Inspired by the grand boulevards of Paris, Avenida de Mayo stretches from Plaza de Mayo to Plaza del Congreso and runs through the center of the city, known for its impressive European-inspired architecture. Palacio Barolo, located at 1370 Avenida de Mayo, is near the National Congress and within walking distance of other historic neighborhoods like San Telmo and Monserrat.
Read more: 5 Best Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires to Stay
What Makes Palacio Barolo So Unique?
Palacio Barolo is celebrated not only for its design but also for its deeply symbolic structure and eclectic architectural influences.
The building was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti, who based its layout on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, one of the most famous literary works in Italian history. The influence of Dante’s masterpiece is woven throughout Palacio Barolo: it is divided into three symbolic sections that represent Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. The basement and ground floor embody Hell, floors one through fourteen represent Purgatory, and the highest floors symbolize Paradise. This division of the building closely follows the structure of Dante’s poem, and nearly every detail is designed to reflect the themes of The Divine Comedy.
Completed in 1923, Palacio Barolo was the tallest building in South America at the time, featuring a lighthouse that rises one hundred meters above the city. Originally, the lighthouse was designed to be visible from Montevideo, across the Río de la Plata, as a welcoming beacon for ships entering Buenos Aires—an architectural nod to the idea of light as divine guidance.
The building’s style combines Neo-Romanesque, Gothic, Art Deco, and even Indian influences, resulting in an overall look that’s both distinctive and mystical. The central hall, with its nine domes, represents the nine circles of Hell described in Dante’s Inferno. Inside, visitors can find intricate Latin inscriptions, mythological figures, and geometric patterns, some of which reference ancient alchemical symbols like the fire symbol.
Today, Palacio Barolo functions as an office building, but it attracts many visitors who come for guided tours exploring its rich architecture and the fascinating symbolism within its design. The lighthouse at the top offers panoramic views of Buenos Aires, making Palacio Barolo an unforgettable destination for those interested in architecture, literature, and history.
How to Visit Palacio Barolo
Palacio Barolo can only be visited through a guided tour, which is highly recommended to fully appreciate its layered symbolism and the spectacular view from the top. Tours are available several times a day in both Spanish and English, and it’s best to book in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the view from the lighthouse, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Buenos Aires and, on clear days, even see the silhouette of Montevideo on the horizon.
A visit to Palacio Barolo is a journey through history, art, and stunning city views, and it’s an essential thing to do in Buenos Aires for anyone looking to experience the most unique side of the capital.
