Created around the first Buenos Aires port and soon turned into one of the most typical Porteño neighbourhood barrios, San Telmo was a space characterized for being the place of choice for aristocratic families until 1871, when a yellow fever epidemic forced them out towards the northern part of the city.

However, the neighbourhood barrio did not take long to repopulate. Due mostly to the immigration wave of the 19th century upon which its streets physiognomy started to change notably, becoming an attractive place for taking a walk, where its old time valuable architecture can still be appreciated today.

San Telmo was filled with "strange" habits and languages coming with the migratory stream. Generally dedicated to port activities, the immigrants occupied the abandoned houses of the wealthy families and subdivided them in areas of one or two rooms that were assigned to different families.

Thus the neighbourhood barrio was born: an outcome that would be repeated in the Monserrat neighbourhood barrio.

The neighbourhood barrio's name comes from a Neapolitan saint, protector of sailors and fishermen. During the 19th century the neighbourhood barrio played a predominant role in the English invasions of 1806 and 1807; and illustrious characters lived there such as French and Beruti, creators of the national rosette, amongst other well known liberal thinkers like Dorrego and de Luca.

The San Telmo neighbourhood barrio's virtue is in those most interesting spots that unfold while strolling about narrow and pitted streets, encircling colonial constructions with ironware gates, and the English, French and Art Nouveau style constructions.

San Telmo, rich in histories and anecdotes, currently holds the most important antique dealers market, and gathers an important number of establishments in which to sing and dance tango, turning it into one of the most visited places in Buenos Aires.

Since 1970 San Telmo began its revaluation. Old constructions were refurbished and many of the more than 100-year-old buildings had been declared Historic Heritage of the city.

In the present time it is a neighbourhood barrio with an ample cultural display: art schools, cinema and television, as well as many antique businesses and a trade fair taking place during weekends, where visitors can acquire beautiful antiquities, anything from a vinyl record up to a complete furniture suite for a house.

Attractions in San Telmo