Plaza Italia

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi was a gift from the Italian community in Buenos Aires.

2. 2

   The plaza was renamed to celebrate the centennial of the May Revolution and the contribution of Italian immigrants to the nation's development.

3. 3

   The square is situated at a unique geographic junction where the city's grid layout shifts, reflecting its historical role as a perimeter entrance to the city.

4. 4

   It sits directly atop the D Line of the Buenos Aires Underground, which significantly influences the high foot traffic patterns in the immediate vicinity.

Overview

Plaza Italia is a major urban hub in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires, functioning as a primary transit intersection. The square is dominated by a monument dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, inaugurated in 1904. It serves as the gateway to the adjacent Buenos Aires Botanical Garden and the Ecoparque. The plaza was originally named Plaza de los Portones until it was renamed in 1909 to honor the large Italian immigrant community in Argentina. It features bronze bas-reliefs on the pedestal of the Garibaldi statue depicting episodes from his life. The surrounding area remains one of the most densely populated commercial zones in the city. The square acts as a focal point connecting several major arterial roads, including Avenida Santa Fe and Avenida Sarmiento.

Insider tips

• Use the square as a central meeting point before heading to the nearby botanical gardens or Palermo Soho shops.

• Keep a close watch on personal belongings due to the high volume of commuters passing through the intersection.

• Look for the smaller commemorative plaques on the perimeter that detail the history of local Italian societies.