Casa Rosada

Casa Rosada is a presidential palace in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires. Literally translated as the “Pink Palace” due to its distinctive pink façade, Casa Rosada houses the executive branch of Argentina’s government.

History of Casa Rosada

The area on which Casa Rosada is located was once by the sea and in the late sixteenth century was the site of the Royal Fort of San Juan Baltasar de Austria built under the orders of Don Juan de Garay. It underwent a variety of changes: in 1713, the fort was demolished and rebuilt as the Castillo de San Miguel, the centre of colonial government. Following independence, architectural changes were made, but eventually the building was demolished in 1857 on the orders of President Justo José de Urquiza, who had the fort renovated which stood there, creating a customs house which would become Casa Rosada.

The Casa Rosada gets its name from the pink colour – legend says this was a political choice, a mixing of the red and white colours of the two opposing political parties at the time, but in all likelihood it was a practicality: white paint was often mixed with animal blood to help prevent the damaging effects of humidity. The design is known as Second Empire architecture.

The building was renovated and decorated in the 1860, first by Bartolomé Mitre and then by Domingo Sarmiento, transforming it into a presidential residence.

Probably the most famous aspect of Casa Rosada is its association with Eva Peron or “Evita”, the wife of President Juan Peron who addressed the people from its balcony in 1951, when the two ran on a joint President-Vice President ticket. Reportedly this was the largest public outpouring of support for any female figure in history.

Casa Rosada today

Casa Rosada is open to the public via pre-booked guided tour only: these operate at weekends, and you’ll need to bring ID to be admitted.

The Museo Casa Rosada is located behind the main palace, which houses exhibitions dedicated to Argentina’s political history – it’s a fascinating journey through several centuries of turmoil. There are also a selection of artefacts and restored murals by David Alfaro Siqueiros

Behind Casa Rosada are the little known 18th century catacombs of Fuerte Viejo, which are worth a visit.

Getting to Casa Rosada

Casa Rosada is on the east side of the Plaza de Mayo – the nearest metro station is Plaza de Mayo, and multiple bus routes stop on the square.