The dome: one of the distinctive features of the construction.
The access loggia: a space that is part of its ornate façade.
The Recoleta residence has a history linked to the presidency, the Catholic Church, and the visits of John Paul II
The dome: one of the distinctive features of the construction.
The access loggia: a space that is part of its ornate façade.
The Pope León XIV will visit Argentina for the first time from November 8 to 11. The Vatican confirmed that he will stay at the Apostolic Nunciature, located in the historic Palacio Fernández Anchorena, on Alvear Avenue.
The building will serve as a base for his activities in the country, which include a mass in Palermo, a visit to the Cottolengo de Claypole, a celebration at the Basilica of Luján, and a stop in the province of Córdoba. It is a residence with an extensive history linked to Argentine politics and the Catholic Church.
The Apostolic Nunciature is located at 1600 Alvear Avenue, in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Currently, it functions as a kind of Vatican embassy, responsible for linking the Holy See with the local Church.
The institution is headed by the apostolic nuncio, Monsignor Michael Wallace Banach. During León XIV's visit, the palace will be the starting point for the various commitments included in his official agenda.
The property was built in the early 20th century and, before becoming the Nunciature's headquarters, had other uses. It was first a private residence and later served as a presidential residence.
The residence was commissioned in 1907 by Juan Antonio Fernández and Rosa Irene de Anchorena from the French architect Édouard Le Monnier. Its design features a marked French style, characteristic of the constructions of the upper classes in Buenos Aires at that time.
Among its main architectural elements are:
The large interior vestibule: a room notable for its dimensions and design.
The large salons: spaces that reflect the style of aristocratic residences from the early 20th century.
In the 1920s, President Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear rented the property to use it as a presidential residence. Later, the building passed to Adelia Harilaos de Olmos, a devout Catholic who decided to donate it to the Holy See.
The transfer began in 1949, after her death, and the Nunciature was permanently established at the site in 1952.
Pope León XIV will not be the first to stay in the palace. John Paul II also stayed at the Nunciature during his visits to Argentina in 1982 and 1987. On both occasions, thousands of people gathered at the residence to accompany him.
Due to its architectural value and its relevance to Argentine history, the Palacio Fernández Anchorena was declared a National Historic Monument in 2002