Last Updated on 3 October 2025 by Vanessa

Have you ever walked into a cemetery with more cats than graves? That’s exactly what you’ll see at La Recoleta Cemetery of Buenos Aires.

The elaborate tombs and hauntingly beautiful sculptures get most of the attention, earning La Recoleta a spot on nearly every “Most Beautiful Cemeteries in the World” list. But what really brings the place to life (ironically) are the dozens of cats that call it home.

Let’s have a look at why La Recoleta Cemetery and its cats are worth a visit, even if you’re not a cat person.

Meet the cats of La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires has tango shows on almost every corner, steak dinners that live up to the hype, and architecture that makes you stop in your tracks.

But there’s something else that sets it apart from other cities in the world: its cat population.

Argentina’s capital is home to thousands of cats, and many of them reside in the Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio la Recoleta).

Famous tombs

La Recoleta was originally a monastery outside the city. When the monks left in the 19th century, it became the first public cemetery of Buenos Aires. It turned into an exclusive burial ground for the wealthy as many rich citizens fled to this part of town to flee from the yellow fever.

The famous cemetery houses the tombs of some of the most prominent figures in Argentine history, including politicians, artists, and writers. You can learn about the lives and legacies of these individuals by exploring their tombs and reading the inscriptions on the gravestones.

The tombs of La Recoleta are truly some of the most impressive and beautiful in the world.

For example, the tomb of Liliana Crociati de Szaszak (a young woman who died in an avalanche while on a skiing trip in Innsbruck, Austria) was built in the shape of a small house with a garden.

There’s also the tomb of Rufina Cambaceres (a young woman who died in 1902 at the age of 19), a beautiful Art Nouveau-style tomb with an image of the deceased on the door.

However, the most famous tomb of La Recoleta is that of Eva Perón, actress and former First Lady of Argentina.

Cemetery cats

The cats of La Recoleta are legendary. They have become an integral part of the city’s landscape, and visitors from around the world flock to the cemetery, just to meet them.

Even though they are stray cats, they are well-fed and well-cared for by the cemetery’s workers and visitors.

The cats of the Recoleta Cemetery are not just cute and cuddly. They have a fascinating history, and each one has its own story to tell.

Some of them are descendants of cats that were brought to the cemetery by workers to control the rat population. Others were left behind by families who could no longer care for them.

Whatever their origins, these cats have found a home in the cemetery, and they are a beloved part of its community.

Cats are everywhere at La Recoleta. When I walked through. Some are stretched across the cool stone slabs. Others have tucked themselves neatly between the steps of a mausoleum.

The cemetery’s workers are happy to answer questions about the cats and provide information about their care.

Famous cemetery cats

Some of the cats at La Recoleta Cemetery have even earned a bit of fame. Here are a few of the most notable residents:

Azúcar

One of the most famous cats of La Recoleta Cemetery is Azúcar (a cute Spanish cat name meaning “sugar”).

Azúcar was a black and white cat who lived in the cemetery for 19 years until his death in 2008. He was a favorite among visitors and was even featured in a documentary about the cemetery’s cats.

He even has his own tomb at La Recoleta. It’s located near the cemetery’s entrance. Many visitors leave flowers and tributes to him.

Moris

Another well-known cat is Moris.

Moris is a gray and white cat who has been living in the cemetery for over a decade.

He’s extremely social and is know for following visitors around the cemetery, hoping for a scratch behind the ears or a treat.

Moris has his own Facebook page, where you can follow his adventures.

Inspiration for artists

The cats of La Recoleta Cemetery have become a source of inspiration for many artists and writers.

The cemetery has been the subject of numerous paintings, photographs, and literary works, and the cats are often the stars of these works.

For example, the famous Argentine writer Julio Cortázar wrote a short story called The Night Face Up, in which a man dreams that he is a cat living in La Recoleta Cemetery.

Visit the cats of La Recoleta Cemetery

Do you want the visit the Recoleta cats yourself? Here’s what you need to know:

Address

La Recoleta Cemetery, Junín 1760, C1113 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina

(It’s just a few blocks away from the famous Avenida 9 de Julio, which is one of the widest avenues in the world. It’s also easily accessible by public transportation or taxi.)

Opening hours

La Recoleta Cemetery is open daily from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.

Entrance fee

There is no entrance fee to visit La Recoleta Cemetery.

However, guided tours are available for a small fee.

Note that some of the more exclusive or private tombs require a special permit to enter.

The cemetery also has rules and regulations in place regarding photography and respectful behavior towards the tombs and the cats.

Final thoughts

If you’re a cat lover, La Recoleta Cemetery is a must-visit destination in Buenos Aires. It’s not just a cemetery. It’s a living, breathing cat community that has become an essential part of the Argentinian capital.

Have you ever visited La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires? Or have you been to another cemetery that’s home to a lot of cats? If so, feel free to share your opinion in the comments.

Explore other cemeteries with cats

• Central Cemetery of Montevideo, Uruguay
• Highgate Cemetery of London, England
• Montmartre cemetery in Paris, France
• Yanaka Cemetery in Tokyo, Japan
• Aoyama Cemetery in Tokyo, Japan
• San Sebastià Cemetery in Sitges, Spain
• Campo Verano Cemetery in Rome, Italy
• Protestant Cemetery in Rome, Italy
• Begraafplaats Groenesteeg in Leiden, Netherlands

Cat pictures by Sobi

Pin these cats of La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires!

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