We have a friend from Toronto visiting, so finally did the “touristy thing” and went downtown for a tour of Casa Rosada, the Argentinean Gov’t House.
Somewhat like the White House in the US, Casa Rosada is pink because originally -- due to a shortage of pigment -- cow’s blood was mixed with the white paint to give the building some colour. Either that, or it was an political symbol intentionally undertaken by Sarmiento, intended to diffuse tension by mixing the white of the liberal party and the red of the radicals.
In any case, this historical building is perhaps best known for the balcony from which Eva Peron addressed the people, as celebrated in a new exhibition and gallery in the house dedicated exclusively to her and other women who define Argentinean history and culture.
Casa Rosada’s location (Plaza de Mayo) also provides the backdrop for some of the city’s many political protests.
Tours are free of charge, and we were lucky enough to get a bilingual one!
Somewhat like the White House in the US, Casa Rosada is pink because originally -- due to a shortage of pigment -- cow’s blood was mixed with the white paint to give the building some colour. Either that, or it was an political symbol intentionally undertaken by Sarmiento, intended to diffuse tension by mixing the white of the liberal party and the red of the radicals.
In any case, this historical building is perhaps best known for the balcony from which Eva Peron addressed the people, as celebrated in a new exhibition and gallery in the house dedicated exclusively to her and other women who define Argentinean history and culture.
Casa Rosada’s location (Plaza de Mayo) also provides the backdrop for some of the city’s many political protests.
Tours are free of charge, and we were lucky enough to get a bilingual one!