Created around the first Buenos Aires port and soon turned into one of the most typical Porteo 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 did not take long to repopulate due mostly to the immigration wave of the 19th century upon which its streets physiognomy change notably, becoming an attractive place for taking a walk, where its old time valuable architecture could still be appreciated.

San Telmo was filled with exotic habits and languages that came with the migratory stream. Generally dedicated to port activities, the immigrants occupied the abandoned houses of the wealthy families and subdivided them assigning one or two rooms to different families.

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

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

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

San Telmo, rich in histories and anecdotes, now holds the most significant 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 have been made part of the Historic Heritage of the city.

Nowadays it is a neighbourhood barrio with a huge cultural display: art schools, cinema and television, as well as many antique businesses and a trade fair that takes place during weekends, where visitors can acquire beautiful items, anything from a vinyl record up to a complete furniture suite for a house.