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RecoletaRecoleta is a 'barrio' or neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is a historic downtown area, much frequented by tourists and the city's residents for its cafs, galleries and the famous Recoleta Cemetery. The barrio was part of the 'Barrio Norte' along with the neighbouring barrio of Retiro. Palermo is to the west, Retiro to the east and Balvanera to the south. The Rio de la Plata runs along the north side of the barrio. Like its neighbours, Recoleta is an affluent and leafy residential district, initially populated by citizens escaping the 1871 yellow fever epidemic. Recoleta is one of the most expensive places to live in Buenos Aires, both in terms of real estate and of the cost of living. Dying too is costly - mausolea in the cemetery cost thousands of dollars. Recoleta centres on a square in front of the Cemetery and the neighbouring Basilica of Nuestra Seora del Pilar. This was a relatively high point on the banks of the river and served as a hiding place for bandits in the 17th century. In the early 18th century, French Franciscans known as the 'Padres Recoletos' built a chapel and convent in the area. The Jesuits also arrived and built the Basilica, completed in 1732. This colonial-style church is fitted with a magnificent Baroque altar, brought from Peru, decorated with Jujuy silver and pre-Hispanic ornamentation. The Recoleta Cemetery is one of the world's greatest, rivalling Pre Lachaise. It was designed by Prospero Catelin of France, following a proposal by Bernardino Rivadavia, and opened in 1822. It was originally a public cemetery for the ordinary citizens, but now hosts many former Presidents and, most famously, Eva Pern, in mausolea of marble, bronze and granite. The barrio is referred to as the 'Paris of the Americas'. Many French-style palaces and villas were built in the area and the verdant squares are known for their cafs. The five-star Hotel Alvear is a grand 1932 palace; nearby are other mansions built by the most important families of Buenos Aires, some used as embassies. Caf Biela is one of the city's most famous cafs and is used by intellectuals, authors and politicians. Outside in the square facing the cemetery is an enormous rubber tree; its huge tentacle-like lower branches cast shade over Biela's popular terrace. Known as the 'Gran Gomero', it was planted in 1878 and is 50 metres wide. The nightlife here is very active too, with the pedestrian passage RM Ortz known for its restaurants. Next to the Basilica, on the site of the Franciscan convent, is the Recoleta Cultural Centre, a major gallery for contemporary visual art, set in a dark pink chapel. Nearby is Buenos Aires Design, with many shops highlighting the latest designs in homeware and interior design. There are many bars in this area. The belle poque Palais de Glace was originally an ice rink and ballroom that now serves as an exhibition centre. It was here that Carlos Gardel was shot nonfatally in 1915 as a result of a bar room brawl, by Ernesto Guevara Lynch. The Jockey Club moved to Recoleta in 1931 and serves wealthy horse breeders. Nearby are the National Library, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the University of Buenos Aires Law Faculty.
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