Palacio Barolo Entry Ticket and Guided Tour Buenos Aires

Palacio Barolo and the Divine Comedy

Palacio Barolo was built between 1919 and 1923 by the Italian architect Mario Palanti for the textile businessman Luis Barolo. The building is designed as a homage to Dante's Divine Comedy: its structure echoes Hell, Purgatory and Paradise, and its height of about 100 metres nods to the 100 cantos of the poem. Many travellers search for a Palacio Barolo tour because the symbolism is rarely obvious until a guide points it out.

For years the palace was the tallest building in South America, a status it held until the mid-1930s. Palanti later designed the Palacio Salvo in Montevideo, often described as its twin. Your guided tour explains the ideas behind the design, the story of its creator and how the building has changed since it opened.

Inside: halls, details and design

Inside, the palace shows off the decorative taste of the early 20th century, with Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements in its lobby, corridors and details. Your ticket lets you show your entry at the door and explore its interiors with a guide, in English or Spanish. Time slots run at midday and through the afternoon.

The guide links the architecture to Dante's poem, so you understand why the entrance, the floors and the tower are arranged as they are. If you are wondering whether Palacio Barolo is worth visiting, the combination of design, history and views makes it one of the more distinctive visits in central Buenos Aires.

The lighthouse and the views

The highlight is the lighthouse at the summit, which gives panoramic views over Avenida de Mayo, the Congress building, the city's rooftops and the Río de la Plata on a clear day. The tour reaches the 14th floor by lift, but the final eight floors are climbed on foot, through narrow spaces, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time.

That climb is why the visit is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. On a clear afternoon the light over the city is soft, and many visitors ask about the best time to visit Palacio Barolo for photographs. Late afternoon slots often give the warmest light, though views can be good throughout the day.

Avenida de Mayo and how to get there

Palacio Barolo stands on Avenida de Mayo, the historic boulevard that links the Plaza de Mayo with the Congress. The street is lined with early 20th-century buildings, cafés and theatres, and metro Line A runs beneath it. Visitors who ask how to get to Palacio Barolo can walk from Plaza de Mayo or take the metro or a taxi.

Meet at the building and bring your passport or ID. Confirmation of your booking is received within 48 hours, and a maximum of five tickets can be reserved per booking. Combine the visit with a stroll along Avenida de Mayo, and allow time before your slot to find the meeting point.