Underground Tunnels

Discover one of Buenos Aires' more unusual places, venturing through this amazing urban archaeological site.

A series of old tunnels, sewers and cisterns, built from 1730 onwards, were constructed above a river tributary and provided the base for one of the city's oldest settlements. This later became a family mansion, then tenement housing and eventually some shops. The Zanjón is the realized dream of Jorge Eckstein, who found these ruins in 1986. After purchasing land for a business project, he then spent years renovating them into what you see today. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history; meticulously reconstructed brick-by-brick and very attractively lit, this site also contains several courtyards and even a watchtower. There are a few relics on display in the various halls and rooms, but the highlights are the spaces themselves.

El Zanjon is, according to the Buenos Aires heritage site, the most important archaeological project in Buenos Aires. A tour through the Zanjón gives you a cross-sectional look into the archaeological history of Buenos Aires, which also explains many important parts of the city's history. The building has been beautifully restored and, as you go below ground, you will see how the building has changed throughout the centuries, and also the entrance to a number of underground tunnels.