The Foundation Area
It is the site where the city of Mendoza was founded on March 2,
1561, at the current Plaza Pedro del Castillo. By that time, in
its surroundings, there used to be the civic, religious and
social activities, until 1861, when an earthquake completely
destroyed the city. The only remaining of this catastrophe is
the Ruins of St. Francis church, what used to be the Jesuits
temple, until their expulsion in 1767. After the earthquake, the
City was rebuilt around the actual Independence Square.
El Paseo Alameda, the social and cultural
activity center, acquired its importance during the government
and direction of General San Martin in Cuyo from 1814 to 1816.
It was planned on the shores of the stream Tajamar, which was
channelled and distributed water coming from the snow and ice
melting, and nowadays, offers a variety of cuisine, and areas
where the Culture of Mendoza arises.
The main attractions in this area are:
*The Loreto Cathedral
Facing the Plaza Domingo Faustino Sarmiento is the Cathedral of
Mendoza, much appreciated by the stained glass windows of its
vestry, described as the most valuable religious art pieces in
the province. These are old pieces brought from France by the
first bishop of Mendoza.
*The Municipal Aquarium
It was inaugurated on May 25, 1945, and was the first of
Argentina. It hosts species of freshwater and seawater, and its
attractiveness turtle "Jorge" which is 95 years old.
*The Snake House
It brings together a collection of live snakes and lizards such
as anacondas, rattle snakes, boas, yararás, fake coral snakes,
pythons, among others.
*The Bernardo O'Higgins Park
In this park there is the theatre "Gabriela Mistral", and there
are childrens games. It is located parallel to the Canal
Cacique Guaymallén.
*The Plaza Pedro del Castillo
Originally called "Plaza de Armas" (1562), was the center of the
old city. Its different names describe the subsequent phases of
the historical development of Mendoza: "Plaza Central",
"Independencia", and Plaza de la Construcción".
*The Foundation Area Museum
Its striking structure houses relics of Mendoza history, such as
the ruins of the Town Hall or Cabildo in 1749, the colonial
water fountain or the slaughterhouse water fountain in 1877.
There are guided tours to the museum and to the underground
chamber.
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