The city of Buenos Aires was founded twice. The first time was in 1536 by Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza, who originally named the city Puerto Nuestra Señora Santa Maria del Buen Aire after the patron saint of sailors, who always brought “good wind.” After a failed attempt to settle into this new land, Mendoza eventually left Buenos Aires and returned to Spain. It wasn’t until several decades later when another Spaniard called Juan de Garay arrived in the city and oversaw a successful settlement by the Spanish in 1580.
In the ensuing 17th and 18th centuries, Buenos Aires became a major international trading port. Its success in global trading helped fuel a massive growth period in the city, and by 1810, Buenos Aires was strong enough to achieve its independence from Spain.
With 13 million residents, known as Porteños, Buenos Aires is the largest city in Argentina and an urban hub for arts, culture, and cuisine. European-influenced architecture and its reputation as a melting pot of cultures give Buenos Aires a cosmopolitan feel. Each neighborhood, from La Recoleta to La Boca, showcases a different side of this fascinating city. Tango and dance are a staple of the culture here.
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