Calle Defensa, Buenos Aires (must see)

Calle Defensa (Defense Street) serves as a major thoroughfare traversing the historical core of Buenos Aires. Its significance lies in being a focal point for tourists, owing to its rich historical and cultural value to the city. During weekends, the majority of its stretch transforms into a pedestrian-only zone.

Stretching from south to north, this road cuts through two of Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhoods: Monserrat and San Telmo, eventually concluding its journey in the Barracas district. Within its central segment, you'll encounter well-preserved colonial structures, while the majority of homes date back to the latter half of the 19th century and the early 20th century.

This narrow cobblestone lane navigates the historical core of the capital, leading to the present-day Plaza de Mayo, once known as the Plaza Mayor when the city was established by Juan de Garay in 1580. Its modern name was bestowed upon it in 1849 as a tribute to the city's defense during the English invasions of 1806 and 1807. Towards the southern end, it terminated at today's Martín García Avenue, which connected to another route crossing the Riachuelo and spanning the present-day districts of Avellaneda and Quilmes (now Montes de Oca Avenue). In 1806, the English army entered Buenos Aires via this street, originating from Quilmes.