The Estrugamou in Buenos Aires – The Pinnacle of French Classical Architecture
On the corner of Juncal and Esmeralda streets, in the Retiro neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, sits a stately and imposing relic of an era of French architecture in Buenos Aires, a city often dubbed the “Paris of South America.” The residential Estrugamou Building, or Edificio Estrugamou, resembles an aristocratic French mansion with its chimneys, mansard roof, cornices, and three-story classical columns. The first wave of French architects came to Argentina in the 1820s, shortly after independence from Spain…
French Architecture in Buenos Aires
French architecture in Buenos Aires was developed under the auspices of the nation’s government. In the first years after independence from Spain, the new country needed professionals and naturally would not bring them from the country from which it had recently gained independence. This is how, during the first half of the nineteenth century – a turbulent and dangerous time in Europe – many renowned architects and French engineers, who were very eager to be hired to work away from the danger…
