For many years, this was the only cemetery in Buenos Aires. As the wealthy class of Argentina expanded, they chose to fill Recoleta with marble sculpture inspired by the statuary in Pére Lachaise and Staglieno Cemetery. Of the 5,500 mausoleums in La Recoleta, several have been declared national treasures.
Portrait sculpture fills the cemetery. Among the politicians, generals, and bankers stands David Alleno, a caretaker in the cemetery who hired an Italian sculptor to portray him — life-size — with his broom and watering can. Boxer Luis Angel Firpo is depicted in his robe as if waiting for the fight to begin. Several bronze soldiers stand guard throughout the cemetery.
