Buenos Aires's golden age of prosperity gave birth to this luxurious opera house, which has hosted Luciano Pavarotti, Julio Bocca, Maria Callas, Plácido Domingo, Arturo Toscanini, and Igor Stravinsky. The project took close to 80 years to complete, but the result is spectacular. The majestic building, completed in 1908, combines a variety of European styles, from the Ionic and Corinthian capitals and French stained-glass pieces in the main entrance to the Italian marble staircase and French furniture, chandeliers, and vases in the Golden Hall. In the main theater -- which seats 2,500 in orchestra seats, stalls, boxes, and four rises -- an enormous chandelier hangs from the domed ceiling painted by Raúl Soldi. The theatre's acoustics are world-renowned. In addition to hosting visiting performers, the Colón has its own philharmonic orchestra, choir, and ballet company. Opera and symphony seasons last from April to early December. Guided tours, which let you view the main theater, backstage, and costume and stage design workshops, take place hourly between 11am and 3pm weekdays and from 9am to noon Saturday. Call tel. 11/4378-7130 for information.