In Buenos Aires, a city where every corner whispers stories of the past, lies a tale as enigmatic as the tango rhythms that fill its streets. This narrative rivals the intrigue of Abraham Lincoln's tomb raiders, which I explored in Springfield. It's the extraordinary posthumous journey of Evita Peron, whose story is woven into the very fabric of Argentina's history.
The Beginning
On July 26, 1952, Argentina was plunged into mourning. Evita Peron, the beloved Evita, passed away at just 33. Her death marked the start of a mysterious journey as remarkable as her life. Preserved by Dr. Pedro Ara in the CGT Building, Evita's body lay in a state of near-perfection, drawing thousands to pay their respects. The preservation was so meticulous that visitors remarked she appeared to be merely sleeping.
The Embalming Process
The embalming of Evita Peron was a monumental task, both in its complexity and its cost. Dr. Pedro Ara, a renowned Spanish pathologist, was commissioned for this delicate work. The process, which took over a year, involved replacing her bodily fluids with a special formula of glycerin and other chemicals. This innovative technique ensured that Evita's body remained lifelike, a feat that drew both admiration and awe.
Cost: The embalming process was an expensive endeavor, costing approximately $100,000 at the time, which would be nearly $1 million today. This investment reflected the immense importance placed on preserving Evita's image for posterity.
Crystal Casket: Evita's body was housed in a specially designed crystal casket. This casket was not just a resting place but a display that allowed the public to continue paying homage. The crystal's clarity and durability ensured that Evita's preserved state could be viewed without obstruction, adding to the surreal experience of seeing her lifelike form.
The Disappearance
The political landscape shifted dramatically with the military coup of 1955. On the night of December 22, Evita's body vanished from Buenos Aires' central labor headquarters, where it had been placed after her death. It was an unsettling event, shrouded in mystery and fueled by rumors. Some whispered that her body had been thrown into the River Plate by the regime that ousted Peron, adding a layer of intrigue to an already complex narrative.
The European Chapter
In 1957, Evita's remains were transported across the Atlantic with the Vatican's covert assistance. Buried under a false name in a Milan cemetery, this chapter of her journey was shrouded in secrecy. A chilling discovery added a macabre twist: one of her fingers was missing, removed by the military to verify her identity. Carlos Spadone, who later examined the body, revealed signs of violence, including a dented nose and marks on her face and chest.
The Madrid Connection
In a twist that deepened the intrigue, Evita's body was eventually moved to Madrid. This move was facilitated by Juan Peron, who was living in exile in Spain at the time. The journey from Milan to Madrid was another secretive operation, reflecting the ongoing political sensitivities surrounding Evita's remains. In Madrid, Evita's body was kept in Juan and Isabel Peron's residence, a poignant reminder of the couple's enduring bond and the political turmoil that had defined their lives.
The Return to Argentina
In 1973, Juan Peron returned to Argentina with his wife Isabel. Elected president once more, Juan's sudden death the following year left Isabel as president. Under her leadership, Evita's body was finally repatriated from Madrid to Argentina, bringing her journey full circle and concluding this chapter of Evita Peron's mysterious journey.
Recoleta Cemetery: The Final Resting Place
Upon her return to Buenos Aires, Evita's body was interred in the Duarte family mausoleum at Recoleta Cemetery, a fortress designed to protect her remains from any future attempts at removal. This isn't just another tomb in Argentina's most famous cemetery – it's a testament to Evita's enduring legacy.
Fascinating Details About the Mausoleum:
The crypt extends 20 feet underground
Multiple security systems protect the entrance
The tomb is constructed of thick marble and reinforced concrete
Evita's body rests in a fortified crypt that would rival a bank vault
Fresh flowers appear mysteriously every week, even today
Surrounding the Duarte mausoleum are other notable residents of Recoleta:
Admiral Guillermo Brown, father of the Argentine Navy
Luis Federico Leloir, Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry
General Tomás Guido, hero of Argentine independence
The tomb of Rufina Cambaceres, another mysterious tale I'll cover in a future post
Tracing the Mystery Today
CGT Building (Azopardo 802)
Visit between 10 AM-2 PM to explore where Evita's preservation began.
Capture the imposing facade that holds so many secrets.
Casa Rosada (Balcarce 50)
Best viewed at golden hour, this is where Evita delivered her last speech.
Position yourself in Plaza de Mayo for the most dramatic shots, capturing the iconic pink facade that has witnessed countless historical moments.
Museo Evita (Palermo)
This museum offers a profound connection to Evita's life, chronicling her journey from humble beginnings to becoming Argentina's First Lady.
Diving into the life and legacy of Evita Peron at Museo Evita in Palermo. A journey through time! 🌹
The CGT Building: Center of Power
The CGT Building holds some of the most crucial pieces of this mystery. Here, in the very rooms where Evita's body was first preserved, Dr. Ara performed his groundbreaking work. The preservation process included:
A special formula of glycerin and other chemicals
Daily applications of preservative solutions
Careful temperature and humidity control
A custom-designed crystal coffin with specific lighting
Modern Day Tributes
Today, Evita's legacy lives on in unexpected ways:
The Eva Peron Historical Research Foundation continues to uncover new details
Annual commemorations draw thousands to Recoleta Cemetery
Recently discovered documents shed new light on her journey
Modern scientific analysis has confirmed Dr. Ara's preservation success
Conclusion
As I stand here in Buenos Aires, retracing the steps of this incredible journey, I'm reminded that sometimes the greatest mysteries aren't about places – they're about people. Evita's journey after death rivals any supernatural tale I've covered, proving once again that reality can be stranger than fiction.
Have you visited any of these locations? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to follow my journey through more of Buenos Aires' mysterious places.
