Argentina – the Walk of the Century in Rosario
Walking Tour Along Historic Buildings on Córdoba and Plaza Pringles
Aug 20, 2008
The Walk of the Century, also called El Paseo del Siglo, consists of a western and eastern section. This second, eastern, part begins at Plaza Pringles and ends at the corner of Córdoba and Corrientes.
Walking Tour Around Plaza Pringles
Take your time to admire the houses around this quiet and shady square. But beware where you sit or walk, it's a popular place for residents to walk their dogs and feed the pigeons! Most of these houses were constructed by wealthy merchants in the first half of the 20th century. Note the two angels that top the house of number 1557.
Originally the entrance to the library was on the Plaza but moved to Roca Street. Step inside and see how in the middle of the modern enlargements the old library, dating from 1912, still stands.
On the corner of Plaza Pringles take a right onto Paraguay. Halfway this block, walk onto the parking lot. From this vantage point you have the best view of the statue of the Minetti-girls, holding a stalk of corn and a sheaf of wheat, that stand on top of the Minetti building.
The History of Millers in Argentina
Walk back to the crossing and take a right turn onto Córdoba. A typical example of Art Deco is Palacio Minetti, on your left [Córdoba 1452]. Domingo Minetti settled in Rosario in 1916 and his family became known for their mills in Rosario and other cities. The huge bronze entrance doors are ornamented with cast bronze female figures, and inside the ceilings and columns clearly show the time period during which the building was constructed. Study the columns to see the latest technologies of a century ago: cameras, gramophones, zeppelins, high rises and machineries.
The hallway is impressive, with a mixture of marbles and its roof containing onyx stone. The elevator still functions after 80 years and rapidly brings you to the top, while you admire the stained glass windows.
On the other side of Minetti Palace you'll find the legacy of another miller: Ernesto Werner was a German mill technician who became the owner of about ten mills that produced flour from all the surrounding wheat fields of Rosario. Molinos Fénix was constructed in the 1920s and stands out because of its black marble Doric base. Check out the tiles in the front hall that tell the tale of the owner – depictions of sheaves of wheat.
Historic Buildings: the Three Domes
El Paseo del Siglo ends at the 'Three Dome' corner of Córdoba and Corrientes: The former Hotel Palace, La Inmobilaria and Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario are notable for their towered domes and richness in decorations.
La Bolsa de Comercia shows its relationship with wheat in different reliefs on the outside. Its entrance door is flanked by two bas-reliefs of Eduardo Barnes, a Rosarion sculptor. It also houses a museum, which can be visited from Monday to Friday from ten to five.
Bohemian Restaurant El Cairo
Ready for a cup of coffee or lunch? Check out restaurant El Cairo, located on the corner of Santa Fe and Sarmiento [at La Bolsa, take a left turn and walk one block]. Once thé place to be for artists, writers and other bohemians. People stand in line, waiting to be seated and served, simply because it has the reputation of serving the best coffee in town.
It is also the starting point of the walking tour along Protected Architecture in Rosario.
More historical architecture can be found in Victoria, 60 kilometers east from Rosario.
 |
 |
 |
 |
