General San Martín Park
Mendoza
General San Martín Park, located in Mendoza, Argentina, is a sprawling urban park originally named Parque del Oeste. Designed by French-Argentine landscape architect Carlos Thays in 1896, it combines 19th-century English and French styles. The park spans approximately 393 hectares, making it one of the largest artificial parks in South America. It features 34 sculptures, a rose garden inaugurated in 1919, a large lake, and numerous cultural and recreational facilities including the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, the Monument to the Army of the Andes, and the Frank Romero Day Amphitheater, which hosts the annual National Grape Harvest Festival. The park also contains the Cornelio Moyano Museum of Anthropology and Natural Sciences, a botanical garden, a zoo, and sports clubs. Its design and greenery significantly improved Mendoza's air quality post the devastating 1861 earthquake and subsequent epidemics. The main entrance gates, installed in 1909, are notable for their condor and city coat of arms decorations. The park remains a central recreational and cultural hub in Mendoza, celebrated for its historical significance and natural beauty.
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Astuce: The best time to visit General San Martín Park is during the spring and early summer months when the rose garden is in full bloom and the weather is pleasant. Visitors attending the annual Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia can experience vibrant cultural events at the Frank Romero Day Amphitheater. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance for events at the amphitheater or the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas. The park is accessible year-round with free entry, and visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, or picnicking. Early mornings or late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Discounts may be available for students and seniors at some cultural institutions within the park.
Faits intéressants
- •The park is the largest artificial urban park in South America, covering around 393 hectares.
- •The main entrance gates were originally made for a sultan but never delivered to him; they were later acquired in Paris and installed in Mendoza in 1907.
- •The park contains 34 sculptures scattered along its paths and roads.
- •The Frank Romero Day Amphitheater within the park hosts the annual National Grape Harvest Festival since 1936.
- •The Monument to the Army of the Andes, created by Juan Manuel Ferrari, was unveiled in 1914 within the park.
Histoire
Following the devastating 1861 Mendoza earthquake and subsequent epidemics, a reforestation and urban improvement plan was initiated to enhance public health and flood control.
In 1896, Provincial Law No.
19 commissioned the creation of Parque del Oeste, designed by Carlos Thays.
Despite initial political controversy over budget priorities, the park's construction led to long-term environmental and social benefits.
The park was renamed in 1947 to honor General José de San Martín, a key figure in Argentine independence.
Over the 20th century, the park expanded and incorporated significant landmarks such as the Monument to the Army of the Andes (1914) and the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas (1976).
Its gates, crafted in Scotland and acquired in Paris, became iconic symbols of the park's entrance.
Guide du lieu
Monument to the Army of the Andes1914
A monumental sculpture by Juan Manuel Ferrari unveiled in 1914, commemorating the army led by General San Martín during the Argentine War of Independence. It is a key historical landmark within the park.
Rose Garden (El Rosedal)1919
A beautifully designed promenade inaugurated in 1919, featuring a variety of rose species and landscaped walkways, offering a colorful and fragrant experience for visitors.
Park's Lake and Club Mendoza de Regatas1906
A large lake inaugurated in 1906, serving as a recreational area and home to the Club Mendoza de Regatas, established in 1909, which offers rowing and other water sports.
Estadio Malvinas Argentinas1976
A major sports stadium built in 1976 within the park, hosting football matches, concerts, and large-scale events, contributing to the park's role as a cultural hub.
Main Entrance Gates1909
Decorated with a condor and the city coat of arms, these gates were installed in 1909 and were originally forged in Scotland and purchased in Paris after being made for a sultan who lost power.
