9.00am | Hidden gems of the city's history

The city of Buenos Aires was founded twice. The first time was in 1536 on the site of what is now Parque Lezama (Av. Paseo Colón and Av. Brasil). Much later this raised piece of land was acquired by Gregorio José Lezama, who built an Italian-style mansion here, from which he could view the neighbourhood of La Boca and the Río de la Plata. When Lezama died, his widow sold the land to the municipal government, leading the creation of this sumptuous park with its many sculptures.

There are two legendary cafes nearby - great options for a morning coffee. El Hipopótamo (Av. Brasil 410), opened in 1909, originally as a general grocery store, and opposite, El Británico (Av. Brasil 399), was the cafe of choice for the British veterans of World War One who lived in the area.

Half a block away, looking towards the park, is the Russian Orthodox Church (Av. Brasil 315). Its blue domes can be seen from afar, and are inspired by the 17th and 18th century Muscovite style. The two-storey building has windows covered with paitings on fabric, simulating the effect of stained glass.

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You could take a detour 10 blocks along Av. Regimiento Patricios to visit a very special place. Santa Felicitas church (Pinzón 1480) in the heart of the Barracas neighbourhood guards some of the city's most fascinating secrets. It was built by the parents of Felicitas Guerrero, a beautiful young girl from the upper classes, who was widowed and then murdered by a spurned admirer. The scene of the crime was right here, in what was the family villa, now Plaza Colombia.

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