Argentina – Historic Buildings in Rosario
Architecture Rich in Art Nouveau, Modernism and Neo-Baroque
Aug 12, 2008
A bird's-eye view of Rosario, while standing on the 70 metres high Monument of the Flag, is far from pleasant: an overcrowded space filled with modern, hideous skyscrapers. But these are nothing more than ugly wrappings to hide the jewels of the city – beautiful, historical architecture dating from Rosario's heyday around the 1900s. A two hour's walking tour gives an insight in Rosario's neoclassical architecture as well as gives examples of art nouveau and modernism.
Río Paraná – Estación Fluvial and Monument of the Flag
To start the two hours' walking tour, pick up a map at the Tourist Information [corner Av Belgrano and Buenos Aires] and stroll along the waterfront of the Paraná River to Estación Fluvial, from where ferries take off for river tours. Notice the romantic paintings by local painter Raúl Dominguez, or check out the adjacent museum for more of his work on the river Paraná and its islands.
Across the street stands the enormous "Monumento de la Bandera", which houses Argentina's original flag from 1812. Keep the monument on the right side and walk up Rioja for about six blocks.
Historic Building Club Español – Modernism and Art Nouveau Architecture
The ongoing construction of modern high rises poses a threat to the beautiful pieces of Rosario's architecture. Fortunately, some historic buildings have enough patrimonial value to be left alone. Like Club Español [Rioja 1050], an extraordinary example of modernism combined with art nouveau. It was designed by Francisco Roca from Barcelona and constructed in 1912. The bronze entrance doors are flanked by bas-reliefs by Diego Masana, a sculptor from Barcelona. The entire building was recently restored and still functions as a community centre where classes, courses and presentations are held.
Historic Building Conjunto Santa Inés
Walk half a block back, and turn right on San Martín. Continue for two blocks and take a left turn on San Juan. At the end of this block, on the corner with Maipú, stands "Conjunto Santa Inés". José Castagnino lived around 1900 and was a wealthy businessman from Genoese origin. In 1896 Santa Inés was constructed – an elaborately decorated housing development. Take a look at the ornamental garlands and urns at the top, and the carved woodwork on the door on Maipú St.
Historic Theatro El Círculo – Baroque and Rococo
One block down Maipú and one block to the left on Mendoza brings you to "El Teatro El Círculo". Emilio Schiffner was a German immigrant and one of Rosario's success stories, starting as a low paid laborer and working his way up to become a wealthy and influential businessman. He became the money and brains behind this fabulous theatre, which had its opening in 1904. While the outside and entrance are quite basic in their construction, the elaborate, baroque-styled auditorium – with four half circular, exquisite balconies – is a sight for sore eyes. There are guided tours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10.30am and 5.30pm. Highly recommended!
The theatre has its own hidden treasure: in the basement the Rosarino sculptor Eduardo Barnes [1901-1977] used to have his workshop and to this day it houses a permanent exposition of his religious art.
Rosario's Historic Buildings and Architectural Styles
Rosario is a prima example in Argentina of a city with rich, varied architectural styles in historic buildings. A two hours' walking tour leads along Rosario's famous landmarks: the Club Español, with a splendid combination of modernism and art nouveau, as well as the splendid baroque-styled Theatre El Círculo. There are several other walking tours in Rosario:
- Protected Architecture in Rosario
- Rosario's Landmark Plaza 25 de Mayo
- Rosario's Churches and Urban Museum
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