- District: Retiro, San Nicolas
The street of Florida (Calle Florida) is a graceful pedestrian street on which there are many shops. It is located in Buenos Aires , in the Retiro district, it starts from Avenida Rivadavia Avenue and ends with San Martin Square . Partly pedestrian became in 1913, and already in 1971 it was forbidden to drive around the street.
What is famous for the street?
Florida in Buenos Aires is one of the main streets in the city, the real heart of tourism. In the evenings, its centerpiece is full of singers and tango dancers, living statues and mimes. There is a large number of shopping galleries, restaurants, shops, which are of interest to every tourist and local resident.
The history of the street begins in 1580, when Buenos Aires was founded. The first official name is San Jose. So in 1734 the street was named by the Governor Miguel de Salcedo. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries it was known as Calle del Carreo or Post Street. Later it was renamed to Cradle, or Empedrado.
In 1789 the street became the first paved in the city. After the British invasion of the Rio de la Plata she was called Baltasar. And only in 1821, in memory of the Argentine War of Independence, it was renamed into Florida. It was here that the national anthem was sung for the first time.
Most of the mansions located on the street were built in the period 1880-1890. In 1889, its territory was the first large-scale shopping arcade, later - the prestigious club of gentlemen (1897). In the 1890s tram lines appeared. True, in 1913 they were dismantled. Florida Street has become a location for a number of important headquarters, among them are the Bank of Boston and La Nation.
Florida Today
Six years ago, a global street reconstruction was carried out:
- cables were made;
- landscaping of territories began;
- black and white tiles changed to concrete;
- restored sidewalks;
- installed modern garbage cans and elegant wooden benches;
- modernized lanterns - now they work on technology led;
- restored facades;
- the canopies have been removed;
- the first floors have been reconstructed.
Tourist interest
To date, Florida Street in Buenos Aires - is a cluster of commercial galleries, among which are known Jardin, Boston, Pacifico. This is one of the most important shopping streets in Argentina , attracting millions of tourists and locals annually.
Here you can see and visit:
- The Marine Club is one of the most beautiful buildings on the street;
- The Society of Sociedad Rural de Argentine - built in the Rococo style;
- Gallery Gimes , known for its viewing platform;
- numerous restaurants and shops ;
- The cultural center of Borges (keep in mind that the entrance to it is located on the next street);
- Piglet, where professional tango dancers and street performers work.
How to get there?
The street starts from Avenida Rivadivia and ends in the area of San Martin Square, in the south its continuation - Peru Street. There are bus stops "Florida" and "Kasidral". Within walking distance are five metro lines.