Museum of the Foundational Area

Pedro del Castillo Plaza Located at the intersection of Alberdi and Videla Castillo streets
Tel. 0261-4256927
Summer timetable: open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8a.m. to 9p.m.; Sundays from 2 to 9p.m.
Winter timetable: open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8a. m. to 8p.m., Sundays from 2 to 8p.m.

This is a historical museum of the archaeological site where the city, was founded on March 2, 1561. The most significant buildings of the primitive urban area were built around the foundational square. All this was destroyed by an earthquake on March 20, 1861. The museum harbors the archaeological remains found in the area. The main excavation lays bare the remains of the foundations, walls and ceramic floor tiles of the 18th century "Cabildo"(town hall in colonial Spanish America). One can also see the underground chamber that protects the ruins of the fountain dating from 1810 that was used to supply water to the colonial city. Close to the fountain stand the remains of a cooker that reflects the presence al the Huarpe Indians in this area. The halls containing the permanent exhibits show the different stages of the settlement of the territory and the development of the city. The remains of the Church of St. Francis, built by the Jesuits in 1731, stand on the corner of Beltrán and Ituzaingó streets.

Mendoza
The city of Mendoza is the capital of the Province of Mendoza and lies 747 m. above sea level and 1,099 km. away from the city of Buenos Aires along national route No.7. Mendoza was founded by Pedro del Castillo in 1561 but was destroyed by an earthquake on 20 March, 1861. The city lies at the foot of the mountain range flanking the Andes and has over 800,000 inhabitants. It is a neat modern city with a large number of drainage ditches and green areas. Its streets witnessed the exploits of our national hero San Martín during his campaigns to liberate Argentina, Chile and Peru. The province is the main wine producing center in America endowed with wonderful environmental conditions for the production of wine. Amongst the sites worth visiting are the Basilica of St. Francis that harbors numerous documents related to San Martín's campaign; the ruins of the Temple of St. Francis; the Government House that preserves the flag of the Andes Army, the Arts and Crafts Market, the Alameda (public walk lined with poplar trees), the "Mirador" (natural scenic viewpoint) terrace, the Civic Center and the San Martín Park.