Historical Monument

The Government House occupies the site of the old Buenos Aires Fort. The building has been the office for our Argentinian presidents from Bartolomé Mitre to our present days, and it was declared a Historical Monument on May 21st 1942 by Decree n° 120.412/42.

Tamburini and the intervention on the Government House

Casa Rosada rises on the site previously occupied by the Royal Fort San Juan Baltasar de Austria, built by order of Governor Fernando Ortiz de Zárate in 1595. The Fort underwent several modifications since Rosas deposition in 1852; only the entrance archway and one of the viceroyal buildings inside the fortress remained standing, later modified to be used as Government office. During Sarmiento’s presidency, the building was painted pink, installing a tradition that still remains and originating its popular name.

Sarmiento also ordered the Post Service Office, finished in 1878 on the southwest side of the terrain. Soon after, President Roca ordered the construction of a new Government House. In 1894, during Luis Sáenz Peña’s presidency, italian architect Francisco Tamburini was commissioned to unite both buildings, creating the monumental landmark that we see today. The Post Service Office, work of sweden architect Carlos Kilhdberg, and the new Government House by Enrique Aberg, were similar but not identical.

The task of joining both buildings served as a challenge for Tamburini: he united them by constructing a grand central archway (currently the main access to Casa Rosada, facing Plaza de Mayo) and defining the remaining wings on Paseo Colón and Rivadavia streets. The result is a piece of strong eclecticism, where elements of divergent origins such as french mansard roofs, loggias and nordic style windows coexist with the classicist language that characterizes Tamburini’s designs.

The main entrance on the North side, through Rivadavia street, provides access to the Hall of Busts, thus named for the sculptures that portray the Argentinian presidents. To each side, two staircases of honour known as “Italy” and “France” lead to the first floor, home to the White Room (Salón Blanco), where official receptions take place, and the presidential offices. This North wing of the House is organized around the Palm Tree Patio. The South wing, located in place of the old Post Service Office, was partially demolished in the 1930s, during the alteration of the current Hipólito Yrigoyen street to build the Economy Palace.
The first message President Roca addressed to Congress pointed out these concepts:

"With this city appointed as permanent capital, we need to provide it with essential improvements for aesthetic, comfort and health of a great population. The Honorable Congress, Executive Power and Supreme Court of Justice need proper buildings for a dignified Nation and the representatives of its sovereignty, and for most administration offices, comfortable residencies that are appropriate to the functions performed in them.
The plans and budgets will be presented by the correspondent Minister for a house for Congress, another for the Executive Power and other buildings that can not be missed for much longer."