Argentina – Historic Buildings in Santa Fe

Architecture and Churches in Santa Fe, in the Paraná Delta

Aug 19, 2009

Santa Fe, originally called Santa Fe de la Veracruz, and is one of Argentina's oldest cities, which can be traced in its historic buildings as well as in its churches.

In 1573 Juan de Garay and his troops settled along the Río San Javier in the Paraná Delta, in northeast Argentina. He called his settlement Santa Fe de la Veracruz, which is currently called Cayastá. Soon the colonists were so plagued by Indian raids and floods of the Paraná River that they decided to move the settlement 80 kilometres further south. Santa Fe's history is still palpable in the city's historic buildings, among which several colonial houses, where nowadays museums are situated.

Santa Fe's Churches Around 25 Plaza de Mayo

The origins of the city of Santa Fe, capital of the homonymous province of Santa Fe, date back as far as the 1650s. Old Santa Fe is located in the area around Plaza 25 de Mayo, close to the Santa Fe River. The historic buildings and churches are all within walking distance.

When the city was founded, 25 Plaza de Mayo was called Plaza de Armas. Until today on 25 Plaza de Mayo the typically important, civic as well as religious, institutions are to be found, like around the majority of Argentina's main plazas in cities: the Cabildo [city hall, nowadays housing government offices and the Court of Justice], the cathedral, a Jesuit church and major residences.

Unfortunately, the Cabildo, once a modest colonial building, had to make way for a pompous, 19th century neoclassical construction. One of Santa Fe's important historic features is that it was here that the National Constitution was endorsed in 1853, thus establishing the Argentinian Republic.

Santa Fe's Historic Buildings in the "Barrio Sur"

Immediately after Santa Fe's relocation in 1650, the Dominicans built a church. After several reconstructions the beautiful church of Santo Domingo became a fact in 1905 [corner 3 de Febrero and 9 de Julio]. It is one of Santa Fe's most beautiful churches and constructed in a neoclassical, Italian style. Inside it has beautiful frescos made by Juan Cingolani and Juan Marinaro.

The important influence of the Italians in Santa Fe is commemorated at Plaza Italiano, where a statue has been erected in their honour. June 3rd is considered el Día del Immigrante Italiano and constitutes one of Argentina's many celebratory days.

Aldao's House [Road Buenos Aires] is one of Santa Fe's few original, well-maintained houses. It dates from 1711 and with its adobe walls and tiled roof that rests on woodwork it's worth checking out. In 1942 the historic building was declared part of the National Heritage.

Santa Fe's Residential Architecture Along San Martín

More historic buildings are situated along San Martín [between Plaza 25 de Mayo and the beginning of the pedestrian area]. Since its beginning, this was the stage for the social and political life of the city. Initially the street was called "Calle de la Compañia", and later "Calle de la Merced". Calle de la Compañia referred to the Jesuit church that still stands on Plaza 25 de Mayo, whereas "la Merced" referred to the merchants that once inhabited this neighbourhood.

Modern times set in and ambitious businessmen changed the name into "Comercia". Only at the beginning of the 20th century did the street receive its current name: "San Martín". Along the street are several explanatory panels [in Spanish] that give background information on some of the historic buildings.

Even though the city considers the historic buildings along this street of patrimonial and cultural value, the majority is in a sad state of decay – plants and even trees sometimes grow through fissures and all historic buildings could do with an extensive renovation. One could also consider it a challenge to look at the historic buildings and use one's imagination to go back to Santa Fe's wealthy days.

Parque Archeológico Santa Fe de Veracruz

Remains of Santa Fe de la Veracruz' original settlement at Cayastá are open to visitors. Parque Archeológico Santa Fe de la Vieja houses ruins and several old churches of which one is still open to public.

Opening hours vary per season but come roughly down to Tues-Fri 9am-13pm / 14-18pm – Sat and Sun 12am-18pm.

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