Top 5 Religious Buildings in Buenos Aires

Many countries have one religious belief system that is more common than any other; travellers go to India for the temples, Israel for synagogues, and England for churches. Argentina is primarily a Roman Catholic country, but a variety of religious beliefs are celebrated here. One popular landmark in Buenos Aires is the Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral), but this diverse city has many other religious institutions that are worth visiting. Below is a list of the top five religious buildings in Buenos Aires.

1. Centro Cultural Islámico Custodio - King Fahd Islamic Cultural Centre

As the largest Islamic cultural centre in Latin America, the Centro Cultural Islámico Custodio is a must-see for anyone who's interested in religious institutions. The centre, which opened in 2000, is a beautiful, sprawling complex of offices, classrooms, prayer rooms, towers, and courtyards. You can take a free 1.5-hour tour on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at noon. Bring your passport and dress conservatively. Address: Av. Bullrich 55. [caption id="attachment_2487" align="aligncenter" width="540"] King Fahd Islamic Cultural Centre / source[/caption]

2. Congregación Israelita de la Republica Argentina - Israeli Congregation Synagogue

Inaugurated in 1932, the Congregación Israelita de la República Argentina is an impressive building overlooking a pleasant plaza in the centre of town. Tourists can visit both the interior of the synagogue and the Jewish museum next door. Bring your passport, because foreigners can’t enter without it!Address: Libertad 769. [caption id="attachment_2488" align="aligncenter" width="540"] The impressive building of the Israeli Congregation Synagogue / source[/caption]

3. Catedral Metropolitana - Metropolitan Cathedral

The home institution of the Pope is a top destination for tourists in Buenos Aires. High ornate ceilings and broad tiled floors surround visitors, creating a sense of serenity in this vast cathedral. Be sure to visit the tomb of General San Martín on the right side of the building as you enter.Address: San Martin 42. [caption id="attachment_2489" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Metropolitan Cathedral: the home institution of the Pope / source[/caption]

4. Iglesia del Pilar - Pilar Church

A jewel of Spanish colonial architecture, this small and serene church is the second oldest building in Buenos Aires (after El Cabildo). As it's located next to the famous Recoleta cemetery, you can stop by the Iglesia de Pilar after visiting the cemetery to admire the crisp white exterior and stunning interior with its pre-hispanic features. You'll find a small museum of religious art located on the left-hand side about halfway down the centre aisle. Address: Junín 1930. [caption id="attachment_2482" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Iglesia del Pilar: the second oldest building in Buenos Aires / source[/caption]

5. Iglesia Evangélica Universal del Reino de Dios - Universal Church of the Kingdom of God

This Pentecostal group was founded in 1977 in Brazil. Similar to other evangelical Pentecostals, they believe in the deity and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, the founder of Iglesia Evangélica Universal, Edir Macedo, controversially added doctrines not found in the Bible, and the group’s central philosophy involves fighting demons and theology of prosperity Address: Av. Corrientes 4377 Being an eclectic city filled with immigrants, Buenos Aires is home to a wide array of impressive and fascinating religious institutions. Worth visiting for their architecture as well as their history, each of these religious buildings in Buenos Aires are top tourist attractions.

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By Caroline Leland