San Telmo is famous for its cafes, art galleries, antique shops and people dancing Tango on its cobbled streets. It is also the oldest neighbourhood of Buenos Aires and has a fascinating history. Originally it was an industrial neighborhood whose mainly African workers lived on site. Basic services were then added, followed swiftly by the wealthy whose beautiful faded mansions are so characteristics of the neighbourhood. Unfortunately, the renovation of the San Telmo neighbourhood was cut short by a yellow fever epidemic which sent all the wealthy running. Their mansions became tenement buildings and were soon crammed full with – mainly Italian and Spanish – immigrant families. (This mix of Spanish and Italian influences built on African roots is exactly the recipe of how Tango was said to be born.)
The neighbourhood then followed the well trodden path of cheap lodgings attracting down-and-out artists and bohemians who make the neighbourhood trendy which in turn attracts the wealthy. Today it holds much of its charm and is a lovely place to stay or spend an afternoon exploring.
