Adobe Route (Ruta de los Adobe)
Catamarca
The Adobe Route (Ruta del Adobe) is a 50-kilometer cultural and tourist circuit in Catamarca, Argentina, stretching from Tinogasta to the entrance of Fiambalá along National Route 60. It is named after the distinctive adobe construction that characterizes the area's architecture, with many buildings and homes built solidly and aesthetically using adobe, adapted to the local climate. This route includes seven significant sites featuring adobe construction, such as the Casagrande Hotel (1897) in Tinogasta, the Cultural Center of Tinogasta, the Oratorio de los Orquera in El Puesto dating back to around 1710, and the Mayorazgo and chapel in Anillaco from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Additionally, the route features the Ruins of Watungasta, dating between the 11th and 15th centuries, the Church of Nuestra Señora de Andacollo in La Falda from circa 1800, and the Church of San Pedro and Comandancia de Armas in Fiambalá built in 1770. Recognized for its cultural and architectural significance, the route was declared a Cultural and Tourist Heritage by the Catamarca Provincial Senate in 2002. Visitors can experience a unique blend of historical architecture, indigenous ruins, and religious monuments, all unified by the traditional adobe construction technique that offers both functional and aesthetic qualities. The route provides insight into the region's colonial and pre-colonial history and is a testament to the enduring use of adobe as a building material in this arid environment.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Adobe Route is during the milder months to enjoy comfortable weather while exploring the outdoor sites. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance and consider guided tours to fully appreciate the historical context of each location. Some sites may offer discounts for students or groups, so inquire ahead. Booking accommodations in Tinogasta or Fiambalá early is recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons.
Interesting facts
- •The Adobe Route includes the Ruins of Watungasta, which date back to between the 11th and 15th centuries, showcasing pre-colonial history.
- •The Casagrande Hotel in Tinogasta, built in 1897, is one of the oldest adobe buildings on the route still in use.
- •The route was declared a Cultural and Tourist Heritage by the Catamarca Provincial Senate in 2002.
- •The Church of San Pedro and Comandancia de Armas in Fiambalá was constructed in 1770 and remains a key historical religious site on the route.
History
The Adobe Route encompasses sites with origins dating back to the 11th century with the Ruins of Watungasta, reflecting pre-colonial habitation.
Key colonial-era constructions include the Mayorazgo and chapel in Anillaco from the late 1600s and early 1700s, as well as religious buildings from the 18th century such as the Church of San Pedro in Fiambalá.
In 1897, the Casagrande Hotel was established, representing the continued use of adobe in local architecture.
In 2002, the route was officially declared a Cultural and Tourist Heritage by the Catamarca Provincial Senate, recognizing its historical and architectural value.
Place Guide
Casagrande Hotel (Hotel de Adobe)1897
An iconic adobe hotel built in 1897 in Tinogasta, showcasing traditional adobe construction techniques and historical architecture.
Oratorio de los Orqueracirca 1710
A small chapel located in El Puesto, dating from around 1710, exemplifying colonial religious architecture using adobe.
Mayorazgo and Chapel in Anillacocirca 1687 and 1712
Historic estate and chapel dating back to approximately 1687 and 1712 respectively, highlighting the colonial era adobe architecture.
Ruins of Watungasta11th-15th centuries
Archaeological ruins from the 11th to 15th centuries, representing pre-colonial indigenous settlements within the route.
Church of Nuestra Señora de Andacollocirca 1800
A religious building in La Falda dating from around 1800, built with adobe and reflecting colonial religious architecture.
Church of San Pedro and Comandancia de Armas1770
Constructed in 1770 in Fiambalá, this church and former military command building is a key historical adobe structure on the route.
Contact
Phone: 03837 42-1140