Pasaje de la Defensa
Pasaje de la Defensa
4
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The Passage of Defense (Former House of the Ezeiza) is an old aristocratic mansion from 1874 that was later abandoned and had several uses, the best known was that of "conventillo" during the time of European immigration to Argentina. Since the 80's it has been a commercial and cultural walk where Buenos Aires souvenir shops, handicrafts, wines, antiques, leather, designer clothes and shoes, art gallery, bars and even a flea market coexist! Historic and emblematic enclave of the old town of Buenos Aires. We are waiting for you!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: San Telmo
Characterized by cobblestones and narrow streets, San Telmo is defined by the tango, the dance that made Buenos Aires world-famous. Tango is a fusion of many different cultures: a true child of immigration, much like the city itself. Nowadays, it comes alive after dark in the milongas (dance parties) attended by both locals and visitors alike, who dance until the wee hours of the morning. During the day, the antique shops and classic cafés and bars around Plaza Dorrego dominate the scene. The emblematic Bar Plaza Dorrego, with its green awnings, checkered tile floors, and wooden interiors, takes you back in time the moment you step inside. For true porteño traditions, San Telmo is the place to be.
How to get there
- San Juan • 10 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
88 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
50
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
1
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia21,219 contributions
Dec 2022
We stumbled across this hidden courtyard, during a walk along calle defensa, during the san Telmo open air market. The house was built in the 1880s, the residence of the Ezeiza family these days it is a Cultural center with cafes, shops and popular market area.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich G
Acton, MA2,476 contributions
Feb 2020
Walking around San Telmo is mostly about walking in an out of shopping areas, which is often more of the same after a few days on the streets of Buenos Aires. However, when you see interesting places, like this one, you go inside and check it out.
Forget the shops, but the courtyard and stairwell are worth exploring. This place definitely has some history, so I looked it up. Apparently it was an 1870s mansion owned by a distinguished family in San Telmo, which also was a home to a school for the deaf for several years, until in 1981 when it was converted to this shopping plaza.
Keep exploring!
Forget the shops, but the courtyard and stairwell are worth exploring. This place definitely has some history, so I looked it up. Apparently it was an 1870s mansion owned by a distinguished family in San Telmo, which also was a home to a school for the deaf for several years, until in 1981 when it was converted to this shopping plaza.
Keep exploring!
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milena B
Podgorica Municipality, Montenegro40 contributions
Nov 2018
When you enter from the crowded street of San Telmo in this Passage, immediately feel like you're going to discover some secret place. So quiet and unobtrusive, makes you feel like you traveled in time. You can find your corner to take a rest, have a nice bite of domestic good quality food and vine.
Written January 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claudia_princess15
North Miami Beach, FL19 contributions
Apr 2018
Buenos Aires is a modern city with a colonial past. During the colonial times, there existed tunnels that were mostly used for commerce, and sometimes for people to escape difficult situations they may find themselves. Well, this one was discovered and re-imagined as a restaurant and a place where you can have parties and events. Make a reservation and do it!
Written November 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Virginie L
Milan, Italy146 contributions
Aug 2017
I discovered this beautiful courtyard by wandering around... many shops are closed probably because it's the less touristic season, it also looks like some cafes, tiny laboratories are closed. Nonetheless worth a quick look around in this nostalgic place that makes you feel you are living in another century.
Written August 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
Forster, Australia98 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
There was so much going on today. We started at San Telmo, with the huge markets along Defensia, and spilling out into adjoining streets and arcades. Some great live music, then, ss we wandered back towards our hotel, we found a fiesta at Mayo.
A great day.
A great day.
Written November 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hilarionmartinez
Miami, FL1,396 contributions
Apr 2015 • Solo
I stumbled onto this restored mansion turned shopping gallery and loved it. You will see some of the photos of this historic home. The Pasaje La Defensa was the home of the Ezeiza family. This is how wealthy Argentinians lived. The house was built in 1880 and is an example of the typical large house in San Telmo, it is a large open two floor house with patios in the center and surrounded by rooms. The house show the Italian influences in Buenos Aires. After it was no longer a family home, it was a primary school and later one for deaf mute children. At one time also, because of economic woes of the 1930's, it housed 32 families. It was not until 1981 that it became a commercial gallery for antiques, art, and fascinating items that reflect on the history of Buenos Aires. It is also a nice cool place to take a rest if you are walking around San Telmo. I sat on one of the benches for almost one hour to watch people come in and out, shop, romance, and enjoy this architectural jewel.. If you are at the Sunday market, it is on La Defensa street. Defensa 1179, C1065AAU Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Written May 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GayeS545
Liberty, MO307 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
When you're tired of monuments and museums, this street (on Sundays only, I believe) has over a mile of booths of handmade items and antique shops with all levels of collectibles from Lalique chandeliers to car hood ornaments. Great way to spend an afternoon, even for my husband.
Written December 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna M
Buenos Aires, Argentina19 contributions
Sept 2013 • Solo
This is one of my favorite places in San Telmo. One of those where you can escape from the loud streets of Buenos Aires and enjoy some relaxed moments exploring the different workshops where locals make and sell handcrafted things and drink some cup of coffee after in a bohemic atmosphere. Especially I recommend to visit Patio Ezeiza cafe on the wonderful terrace upstairs- good coffee, good music, friendly people and it's always sunny!
Written October 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriella M
Rome, Italy72 contributions
Jan 2012
I love visiting this place which used to be one big house belonging to a very rich family and was then divided up into small flats for immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. It's full of small shops now but has the original floors etc.
Written February 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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