Evocative Museum of the "Justo José de Urquiza" Higher National School of Uruguay

Urquiza 25
Tel. 03442-425554
Schedule visit by telephone.

This museum was created in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the school, the first lay and free educational institution in the whole country. It originally had a section devoted to military instruction from which Julio Argentino Roca (Argentine President) graduated. Its six halls are devoted to history and natural sciences. Exhibits include a glyptodont armor, whale vertebrae, a collection of local stones, Indian canoes, hides of naturally mummified animals, stuffed reptiles and birds and a collection of different Argentine woods. Also on display are items related to the history of the school such as desks, uniforms, photographs and old medals. There is a one-piece well in the yard carved in Carrara marble, period lamps and luxuriant tree species. Worthy of mentioning is a camphor tree presented to Urquiza as a gift by the Emperor of Brazil, Peter II.

Concepción del Uruguay
This city and port located on the banks of the Uruguay River was founded in 1783 and is 261km.distant from Paraná. One can reach it by driving down national route No. 12 and provincial route No. 39. It was the provincial capital until the second half of the 19th century. The remains of General Justo José de Urquiza rest to the left of the high altar in the Cathedral. The city is renowned for its historical wealth and educational instutions. The site known as the San José Palace, where General Urquiza lived and died, lies 35km. away from the city center.