View on Ruta Nacional 7 in Mendoza, Argentina Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ruta-nacional-7-mendoza.JPG Author: Leandro Kibisz
Mendoza is a city in western Argentina, on the main highway linking Santiago, Chile with Buenos Aires. It is on the foothills and high plains on the eastern side of the Andes Mountains. The city covers 54 sq km (20.8 sq mi) and has a population of 113,000 (2011 estimate), within a metropolitan area of 850,000 people. The city is at an elevation of 746.5 m (2,449 ft).
Mendoza experiences an aria climate. Its total annual rainfall is 223.3 mm (8.787 in). Most of the rain falls in January, which receives 48.2 mm (1.898 in) of precipitation. January is also the hottest month, when the average high temperature reaches 32°C (89.6°F). July is the coldest month, when the average temperature drops to 2.4°C (36.3°F).
Mendoza, Argentina Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_Mendoza.jpg Author: David
Mendoza was founded in 1561 by Pedro del Castillo. It was originally named Ciudad de Mendoza del Nuevo Valle de La Rioja in honor of the governor of Chile, Don García Hurtado de Mendoza. The local tribes inhabiting the area were the Huarpes, the Puelches and the Incas. The irrigation method devised by the Huarpes enabled the area to sustain its population, and is still being used today.
A severe earthquake destroyed the early buildings of Mendoza, necessitating a rebuilt of the city. Much of the town center of Mendoza dates from after the rebuilding effort, which gives the city spacious plazas and wider boulevards. Today the city depends on tourism, wine production and the exploitation of oil and uranium as the mainstays of its economy.
Plaza España, Mendoza Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plaza_espa%C3%B1a_mendoza.jpg Author: Beatrice Louise Murch
Visiting Mendoza
Mendoza is 1,037 km from Buenos Aires and 380 km from Santiago, Chile. You can reach it by taking a 13-hour bus trip from Buenos Aires and 7 hour bus trip from Santiago. The city also has a small airport that receives regular flights from Buenos Aires, Santiago and Lima.
Sights & Attractions in Mendoza
Basilica de San Francisco Neoclassical church containing the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Cuyo, the partron saint of San Martin's Army of the Andes.
Chacras de Coria Mendoza's neighborhood of kitchens and fancy restaurants, this is the place to go to enjoy the best foods of the city. Its central square hosts an art and antique fair every Sunday.
Museo del Área Fundacional Museum showcasing indigenous Huarpe artifacts and dioramas recounting local history. The museum is sited over the excavated foundations of the colonial town hall.
Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno Museum showcasing the modern art of local artists.
Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Emiliano Guiñazú Fine art museum in Chacras de Coria.
Parque Bernardo O'Higgins Park on the eastern edge of downtown Mendoza honoring the Chilean independence leader.
Parque San Martín One of the best landscaped parks in Mendoza, designed by 19th century French architect Charles Thays, who also desinged many of the other public parks of the city.
Plaza Chile City square celebrating the friendship between Argentina and Chile, this plaza was designed by Chilean sculptor Lorenzo Domínguez.
Plaza España A plaza done with colorful tiles, this was designed and built by artisans from Spain in the 1940s.
Plaza Independencia The square at the center of Mendoza, this plaza is surrounded by a number of local attractions.
Plaza Italia This Italian-themed plaza is studded with statuary and landscaped with stately palms and conifers. This city square honors Mendoza's citizens of Italian parentage.
Plaza San Martín City square honoring José de San Martín, the hero of Argentine independence.
Templo de San Francisco Ruins of an 18th century church that was nearly leveled by the 1861 earthquake.
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