Built on a precise square grid, this planned city has South America's largest neo-Gothic cathedral, Le Corbusier's Curutchet House, and a tradition of burning giant figures on New Year's Eve.
La Plata, the capital of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina, is a city with a unique square grid layout intersected by diagonal avenues. You can climb the neo-Gothic cathedral for city views, examine dinosaur skeletons at the Natural Sciences Museum, or tour the Curutchet House - the only building in the Americas designed by Le Corbusier. The city's university population and annual traditions like the Quema de Muñecos add to La Plata's distinct character.
A City Designed on a Grid
La Plata's layout follows a precise geometric pattern. The city forms a square, with a central park and two main diagonal avenues running north to south and east to west. Every six blocks, you'll find a small park or square, creating a balance between buildings and green spaces. This grid design makes it easy to navigate as you explore the city.
Architectural Landmarks
La Plata Cathedral
The neo-Gothic La Plata Cathedral took over 120 years to complete and is the largest church in Argentina. You can climb to the viewpoint in the "Tower of Jesus" for views of the city and, on clear days, you might see the coast of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.
Curutchet House
The Curutchet House, designed by Le Corbusier, is the only building by this architect in the Americas. This modernist structure demonstrates Le Corbusier's architectural principles, and you can take guided tours to learn more about its design.
Museums and Culture
Natural Sciences Museum
At the Natural Sciences Museum, you'll see an extensive collection of dinosaur skeletons, including some very large specimens. The museum also has detailed exhibits on pre-Columbian cultures in South America. The building itself, constructed in 1888 in a neoclassical style, is also interesting to observe.
Teatro Argentino
The Teatro Argentino is Argentina's second-largest opera house after Buenos Aires' Teatro Colón. It hosts operas, ballets, and concerts. The building's modern architecture contrasts with many of the city's older structures.
University Life
The National University of La Plata, one of Argentina's leading educational institutions, is located here. You'll see students cycling around and gathering in local cafes and bars. While La Plata shares some characteristics with other university cities, it has its own South American flavor.
Local Traditions
Quema de Muñecos
On New Year's Eve, La Plata celebrates with the Quema de Muñecos (Burning of the Dolls). People from different neighborhoods build giant figures and fill them with fireworks. At midnight, these figures are set alight, creating a bright and noisy start to the new year.
