The Palacio Barolo, which was once South America’s tallest building, is devoted to and modeled after the Divine Comedy. The 14th century epic poem by Dante Alighieri is represented in a unique bid at marrying literature and architecture. This is immediately apparent in the 22 floors of the building, representing the 22 stanzas in the poem, which are built on a foundation that is true to the golden ratio.

As you ascend, you will be following the path written by Alighieri, from hell, to purgatory, and finally, to heaven. The striking mixture of neo-romantic and neo-Gothic architectural styles are sure to impress, as you make your way to the lighted beacon at the top of the building, representing the nine choirs of angels. In fact, the tower was built to house Dante’s ashes, although it now houses a multitude of groups, from multiple travel agencies and studios for architects to lawyers. The Southern Cross constellation sitting above the lighthouse at the top, fascinatingly enough, aligns with the actual constellation on the Argentine Independence Day.