Confiteria del Molino: One of the architectural gems of Buenos Aires

As you walk around the city of Buenos Aires, it is not hard to be taken aback by its architectural beauty and grand historical buildings that tower over the streets of Buenos Aires. Due to the influence of the immigrant community, the buildings around Buenos Aires show a large melting pot of styles and cultures that change from neighborhood to neighborhood; Confiteria del Molino is definitely one of these eclectic buildings in Buenos Aires.. The French and Italian influences can be clearly seen with the neo-classical buildings in Buenos Aires, built during Buenos Aires’ ‘Golden Age’ between 1880 and 1920. The best examples of the neo-classical architectural style can be found in and around the area of the Microcentro for example, Teatro Colón, and Congreso. However, the buildings in Buenos Aires are not all classical; there is also a mix of art nouveau such as La Confiteria del Molino, art deco, and tall, modern, glass office block buildings. [caption id="attachment_5910" align="aligncenter" width="610"] The abandoned Confiteria del Molina / Source[/caption]One of the architectural gems in Buenos Aires that is bound to catch your attention is Confiteria del Molino, located on the corner of Callao and Rivadavia opposite, the Congress and Parliamentary buildings. This building may not currently be the prettiest, but the large, dilapidated building with its grand turret and strange, windmill sails on the front of the building, means that you cannot help but imagine the elegance and beauty of this building and the stories and personalities of the people that graced it. The building was declared an international example of art nouveau architecture by UNESCO, and built by the famous architect, Francisco Gianotti, the former coffeehouse dates back to 1917. Unfortunately, this Argentine National Historic Landmark, holding 80 years of conversations and secrets of the Porteño bourgeoisie and aristocratic society within its walls, has been closed since the 23rd February 1997. Within the last 15 years, many promises have been made by different governmental bodies to restore the building to its previous glory, however, all of the promises have failed to be met, with the faded elegance of Confiteria del Molino crying out to be saved. The need for action has never been so important with the expiration of the Argentine law protecting pre-1941 buildings from being demolished. Pressure groups and NGOs have met this decision with anger as these decaying buildings are a part of the city’s history and identity. When passing by buildings such as, La Confiteria del Molino you may be able to see small protests outside the historical and beautiful buildings, organised in order to raise awareness of the plight of the building and the need for action, rather than the lengthy governmental negotiations and bureaucracy that has yet to produce any results or restoration work on these vulnerable buildings. [caption id="attachment_5911" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Looking up at the classic windmill features. Confiteria del Molino / Source[/caption]UPDATE: Congress approved the purchase of the building by the National Government, in a bill passed on 12 November 2014. There are plans to restore the building and to reopen the café. The public has been divided on the decision, with some happy that this historical building will be saved and rejuvenated, while others are concerned about the planned cost of the restoration. Either way, take the time to visit this remarkable art nouveau gem, even in its abandoned state. While still derelict, La Confiteria de Molina evokes the nostalgia of the golden age of the city. The rich architectural heritage of Buenos Aires is, after all, a big part of the charm of the Argentine capital.

Interested in more of the historical buildings in Buenos Aires? Explore the architecture of the city with a Buenos Aires Architecture Tour.