The historic heart of the city encompasses the area to the South of the Plaza de Mayo, including the Manzana de las Luces (Block of Enlightment), up to San Telmo. The Avenida de Mayo, which is in the process of being restored to its original Spanish splendor and connects the Cabildo (City Hall in colonial days) with the neo classical Congress building, is bordered by magnificent trees and splendid period architecture. Avenida Corrientes, which was a narrow street in Gardel's heyday, is the dynamic axis of the city with the ever present Obelisco at the intersection of the very wide Avenida 9 de Julio. The world famous Teatro Colón is two blocks away from the Obelisco at Plaza Lavalle across from the Law Courts. Music halls and the big theaters, including the San Martín Cultural Center, serve as interesting backdrops to the urban daily turmoil which continues until well past midnight.