palermo, buenos aires

Palermo is a neighborhood, or barrio of the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. It is located at the northeast of the city and it borders with the barrio of Belgrano to the north, Almagro and Recoleta to the south, Villa Crespo and Colegiales to the west and the La Plata River to the east. With a total area of 17.4 km, Palermo is the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. As of the 1991 census it had a population of 256,927.

History of Palermo

The land was originally purchased by the Italian immigrant Juan Domingo Palermo in the late 16th century, shortly after the foundation of Buenos Aires. For decades to come used for cereal crops and cattle, it was later purchased by the politician Juan Manuel de Rosas in 1836, who used the land to build his residence. The area grew rapidly during the second half of the 19th century and particularly during the presidency of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, with the foundation of the Buenos Aires Zoo (1874), the Parque Tres de Febrero (1874), Plaza Italia and the Hipdromo de Palermo (Palermo Racecourse) (1876). During the 20th century were also founded the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden (1902), the Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, the water treatment building, several sport clubs, the Jardn japons (Japanese garden) and the Galileo Galilei Planetary.

Transportation

Subdivisions

Although being just one big piece in the official map of Buenos Aires, Palermo has became partitioned into several contrasting subdivisions, the most clearly delimited of which may be considered further de facto neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.

Palermo viejo

Palermo viejo (old Palermo) is, as its name implies, the oldest part of Palermo. Located behind the United States embassy, the neighborhood portrays an antique Spanish style in architecture, often "recycled" with modern elements.

Palermo chico

Across the Figueroa Alcorta Avenue, in between the San Martn de Tours and Tagle streets, Palermo chico (small Palermo), known also as Barrio Parque, is the wealthiest part of Palermo. Strictly a residential area, many rich and famous personalities own their homes there.

Palermo Hollywood and Palermo SOHO

Palermo Hollywood became the fashion and desing part of Buenos Aires.

Las Caitas

Las Caitas is located in Barrancas and is the dinner place of Palermo.

Highlights

The Parque Tres de Febrero, best known as Bosques de Palermo (Palermo woods), is the largest green lung in the city of Buenos Aires.

Miscellaneous

The famous writer Jorge Luis Borges was born in what is currently know as Palermo Viejo (old Palermo).