Spectacular views on the way to ‘paradise’ (the lighthouse).

Buenos Aires is a city of grand architecture, but few buildings tell a story as intricate as Palacio Barolo.

Rising 100 meters above Avenida de Mayo, this early 20th-century masterpiece is more than just an office building—it’s a love letter to literature, an architectural marvel, and, for those in the know, one of the most spectacular places to take in the city skyline with a glass of wine in hand.

A Tower Inspired by Dante

Built in 1923 by Italian architect Mario Palanti, Palacio Barolo was commissioned by textile magnate Luis Barolo, a man so enamored with Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy that he envisioned a skyscraper dedicated to the poet’s epic journey through the afterlife.

Lots of symbols to look for within the architecture.

Every detail of the building echoes Dante’s masterpiece: its 22 floors correspond to the number of stanzas in each canto, the structure is divided into Hell (the basement), Purgatory (the offices), and Heaven (the upper floors and lighthouse), and it was once the tallest building in Latin America—a fittingly grand tribute.

In a fascinating twist, Barolo also believed Europe was on the brink of collapse, and he intended to house Dante’s ashes in the tower as a kind of literary ark. That plan never materialized, but the legend only adds to the building’s mystique.

The Best Way to Experience Palacio Barolo? The Night Tour

One of the many stunning views from the top.

By day, Palacio Barolo is an intriguing historical site, but by night, it transforms into something magical. The “Noche en el Barolo” tour, which includes a guided journey through its literary symbolism, culminates in the building’s crowning jewel: the lighthouse.

Once the guiding light of Buenos Aires—visible from Uruguay when it was first built—the lighthouse now serves as a panoramic lookout. At sunset, the 360-degree views are breathtaking, with the city’s domes, plazas, and landmarks bathed in golden light. The limited space means groups are never larger than eight, making it an intimate and unforgettable experience.

A Glass of Wine to Cap It Off

The Palacio’s wine…made in Mendoza of course!

Now, where does wine fit into all of this? At the end of the night tour, guests are welcomed into the Palacio Barolo Museum, where a glass of Argentine wine awaits. A poetic touch, really—after a journey through Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, what better way to toast the experience than with a glass of Malbec?

In a city where tango, steak, and classic cafés steal the spotlight, Palacio Barolo remains an underrated gem. It’s a place where architecture and literature intertwine, where history meets the present, and where, with a sip of wine, you can feel utterly transported—whether by Dante’s words or by the twinkling lights of Buenos Aires at night.

Looking up from the upper terrace.

Palacio Barolo