Ciudad Evita: The History of a Planned Argentine Community
Located in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Evita stands as a unique testament to Argentina's complex political history and urban planning. Established as a planned community—a town designed from the ground up with a specific social or aesthetic goal—the city has served as both a residential haven and a political symbol for decades.
The Vision of Juan Perón
Ciudad Evita was officially established in 1947 through Decree No. 33221 by Argentine President Juan Perón. The initial settlement was developed by the Eva Perón Foundation and named in honor of the president's wife, Eva "Evita" Duarte de Perón. The name translates literally to "Evita City" in Spanish.
The city's original design consisted of 15,000 homes built in a simplified Spanish Colonial Revival style, an architectural movement that drew inspiration from traditional Spanish and Latin American colonial buildings, which was highly favored during the Perón era. Interestingly, the street layout was allegedly designed to mirror the profile of Eva Perón, appearing to "wave" to passengers flying into the Ministro Pistarini International Airport, located just 6 kilometers (4 mi) to the south.
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Political Shifts and Name Changes
Because of its deep ties to the Perón administration, the city's identity shifted frequently following political upheavals. After the 1955 Revolución Libertadora military coup deposed Juan Perón, the city was renamed Ciudad General Belgrano to honor General Manuel Belgrano.
During this period, the Banco Hipotecario managed the city's administration, while the Municipality of La Matanza provided certain public services. Despite the political turmoil, the community expanded, incorporating the Barrio Vemme ward between 1960 and 1967. In 1963, administration was transferred to the La Matanza Council.
The return of Peronists to power following the 1973 general election saw the city's original name, Ciudad Evita, restored. Shortly after, in 1974, a second addition called Barrio Alas was opened specifically for Argentine Air Force officers stationed at the Morón Air Base.
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The Path to National Recognition
The cycle of renaming continued after the March 1976 coup, which ousted the Peronist government. The town was renamed Ciudad General Martín Miguel de Güemes in honor of General Martín Miguel de Güemes. However, with the return of democracy in the 1983 general election, the name was once again reverted to Ciudad Evita.
In the years following the restoration of democracy, the city became home to the Buenos Aires Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was dedicated in 1986. Recognizing its architectural and historical significance, the Argentine government declared Ciudad Evita a National Historic Monument in 1997.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1947 by President Juan Perón.
- Original Scale: 15,000 homes in Spanish Colonial Revival style.
- Unique Feature: A street layout allegedly shaped like Eva Perón's profile.
- Location: 6 kilometers north of Ministro Pistarini International Airport.
- Status: Declared a National Historic Monument of Argentina in 1997.
| Period/Event | City Name | Honoree/Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 (Foundation) | Ciudad Evita | Eva "Evita" Duarte de Perón |
| 1955 (Military Coup) | Ciudad General Belgrano | General Manuel Belgrano |
| 1973 (Peronist Return) | Ciudad Evita | Eva "Evita" Duarte de Perón |
| 1976 (Military Coup) | Ciudad General Martín Miguel de Güemes | General Martín Miguel de Güemes |
| 1983 (Return of Democracy) | Ciudad Evita | Eva "Evita" Duarte de Perón |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Ciudad Evita and why?
The city was founded in 1947 by Argentine President Juan Perón via Decree No. 33221. It was developed by the Eva Perón Foundation as a planned community and named after his wife, Eva "Evita" Duarte de Perón.
What is unique about the city's layout?
The city is famous for a street layout that was allegedly designed to resemble the profile of Eva Perón, positioned so that it appeared to wave to passengers at the nearby Ministro Pistarini International Airport.
Why did the city change names so many times?
The name changes were a result of Argentina's political volatility. Military coups that deposed Peronist governments sought to remove the homage to Eva Perón, while the return of democratic or Peronist leadership restored the original name.
What architectural style was used for the original homes?
The original 15,000 homes were constructed in a simplified Spanish Colonial Revival style, which was a popular aesthetic during the Perón era.
Is Ciudad Evita recognized as a historical site?
Yes, Ciudad Evita was officially declared a National Historic Monument of Argentina in 1997.