Witness History The mystery of Evita’s corpse
The Incredible Disappearance and Journey of Evita’s Corpse
Eva Perón's embalmed body became a political symbol too powerful to be left in Argentina after a military coup in 1955. Fearing it would incite protests, the new regime secretly stole the corpse and hid it in multiple locations across Argentina and Italy.
The military took extreme measures to protect the corpse’s condition, including storing it at places like the Buenos Aires waterworks and moving it with the Vatican's help to Italy. Decades later, the body was returned to Juan Perón in Madrid, where it was cared for and even involved in occult rituals by his wife Isabelita.
Finally, after more political turmoil, Evita’s body was restored by art restorer Domingo Tellechea and eventually buried securely in Buenos Aires, hidden five meters underground to prevent further theft. Her remains’ secretive journey reflects the deep political and emotional impact she held in Argentina.
Military Hid Evita's Body
- After Eva Perón died, the military feared her body would rally protests against them.
- They decided to secretly remove and hide her embalmed body to protect the country’s tranquility.
Evita’s Embalming Story
- Juan Perón chose to have Eva Perón's body embalmed rather than buried.
- Dr. Pedro Ara embalmed her body at the headquarters of the main Peronist trade union.