Plaza de Mayo

　　        In Buenos Aires, known as the "Paris of South America" by the world, the famous Plaza de Mayo attracts numerous domestic and international tourists with its unique charm. Plaza de Mayo is the heart of Buenos Aires. At its center stands a 13-meter-high pyramidal monument, built to commemorate the patriots who sacrificed their lives during the May Revolution of 1810. When it was unveiled on May 25, 1815, the Statute of Independence of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (the predecessor of Argentina) was adopted in front of the monument. On July 9, 1816, the Declaration of Independence of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata was proclaimed here. Initially, the base of this monument had two tiers and was topped with a vase. In 1856, it was renovated by the renowned Argentine painter and architect Prilidiano Pueyrredón, and a statue of the Goddess of Liberty was placed atop the spire. The monument is surrounded by neatly trimmed green lawns, flowers that bloom year-round, clear and sparkling fountains, and groups of pigeons pecking around.

　　　　         To the east of Plaza de Mayo is a rose-colored Spanish-style building, known as the Pink House or Casa Rosada, which serves as the government palace. The architecture of the government palace is majestic and splendid. The first two floors above ground house the presidential offices, while the basement level is a museum that displays statues of past presidents, important decrees and proclamations they issued, significant government documents, and other important historical relics. In front of the main entrance of the government palace stands a bronze statue of General Manuel Belgrano, one of the leaders of the May Revolution and the creator of the national flag, riding a horse.

　　          Buenos Aires, Argentina

Plaza de Mayo