On the Papal Trail in Buenos Aires

Tipped for an Oscar, new comedy drama 'The Two Popes', starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce renews interest in Pope Francis's Buenos Aires background

With the forthcoming launch of new Oscar contender 'The Two Popes', the Buenos Aires backstreets of Pope Francis's past are revealed in a fascinating free bus tour by the city's tourism office.

Available every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, the Pope Francis Tour traces the story behind his life and work in Buenos Aires.

Visitors to the city can also delve into the other aspects of the city's culture that are synonymous with its most famous religious son, including his beloved football team San Lorenzo. For a behind the scenes peek into the football fever, the Iconic Stadiums tour of El Nuevo Gasómetro takes in a visit to the team's home ground stadium.

And, back to more reverent pursuits, for a further exploration of the city's rich religious history, the tourist office's Churches Buenos Aires resource is the ideal starting point for self-guided tour, taking in some of the city's most historic and architectural important buildings. From the oldest church - San Ignacio de Loyola - which sits atop series of underground tunnels that were constructed during colonial times for defence and smuggling - to Iglesia de Santa Felicitas; built in 1875 in memory of Felicitas Guerrero, a young woman considered one of the most beautiful women in Buenos Aires, and who was murdered by a snubbed suitor – each building has a story to tell.

-ENDS-

About the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

Argentina's capital and most populous city, Buenos Aires, is located on the western shore of the Río de la Plata estuary, on the south-eastern coast of South America. The city is neither part of Buenos Aires Province nor the province's capital; rather, it is an autonomous district. Buenos Aires is a top tourist destination that offers a unique blend of European elegance and Latin American passion. Famous as the birthplace of tango, the city is also home to world-class opera, theatre and art, well-preserved European-style architecture, native traditions, and to restaurants that overflow with wine from Mendoza and cuts of beef fresh from the Pampas. Ranked by The Economist as 2017's best Latin American city to live in, Buenos Aires is made up of small, highly individualized neighbourhoods, each with its own characteristic colours and forms. The destination attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including luxury hotels, chic boutique hotels, and international brands. For more information on tourism, visit: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en or follow Buenos Aires' Facebook page or Instagram.