60 kilometres north of the Federal Capital, the administrative area of Escobar was the habitat of a native group dedicated to hunting and fishing, who never imagined that one day that very same space would be called the National Capital of Flowers.

Its Spanish foundation dates back to 1580, when Juan de Garay made the first land distribution amongst the 63 men who took part with him on the second foundation of Buenos Aires. For more than four centuries, tradition has preserved the memory of the first owner of the "Isle of Escobar": Don Alonso de Escobar.

Many years later, in 1751, the Belemnite fathers acquired a parcel 3000 yards long and a league and a half wide from Nicolas de la Quintana; although, in the following years the Order got rid of these lands, selling them to Gervasio de la Cruz. His heir, Eugenia Tapia de Cruz, extended the property and founded the town, naming it Belen.

With the arrival of the railroad in 1876, the region turned into an excellent agricultural producer. The railway company gave the station the name of Escobar.

Nevertheless, the true social and industrial boost begun in 1924 when a Japanese citizen called Gashu, who discovered how fit the zone was for the production of flowers, settled in the land. Along with a group of Japanese immigrant workers, he started the first large plantations. Just five years later producers of Portuguese, Italian, Belgian and Dutch origins were emulating him.

Nowadays, with almost 400 floral establishments, this city is the first flower producer in the province. The abundant nurseries, with an enormous offer in plants and flowers, have become a permanent attraction, especially during weekends

The Municipality of Escobar, in the Province of Buenos Aires, sits amidst placid slopes alternated with bogs and hillocks in wetlands with the shape of washbasins along the Parana River, composing the typical landscape of the isles. The highest point is located in the neighbourhood, or barrio, of Parque El Cazador.

Escobar is currently a neuralgic point in the communications with the MERCOSUR and a most sought after place for people who look forward to make this place their residence, due to its quietness and natural beauty. It is a very interesting alternative for mini tourism.

HOW TO GET THERE

There, the City of Belen de Escobar is located 60 km north of the Federal Capital, to which it is connected through the Sol Highway (Pan American Route), Routes 25, and 26 that in turn connect it with other highways.

Belen de Escobar can be reached by train, on the Mitre Railroad (branch-lines Villa Ballester and Tigre); by T. A. Chevallier, from Once; by Parana Express, from Saavedra Bridge; by Line 60, from Constitution, Congress and Plaza Italia. Other companies take travellers with Pilar, Luján, San Miguel, and other places in the Province.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Japanese Garden
It is located on the intersection of Alberdi and Spadaccini Sts, and was built and donated to the community by the Japanese colony in celebration of their 40th anniversary in these lands of Escobar. It is a classical type of Japanese garden, called "Tsukiyama Sansui" (Mountain - Water). Most of the stone lanterns were brought directly from Japan, together with the fishes that populate the waters of the pond, thanks to different protectors. Its construction style is very peculiar and unique in Latin America.

General San Martin Plaza
It is the main plaza, or square, in Belen de Escobar, and the bust of Liberator General San Martin stands in the middle of it, while the bust of Remedios de Escalada is on one of its sides. On one of its sides stands a replica of the Mayo Pyramid, and on the other the bust of the founder of the city: Doña Eugenia Tapia de Cruz. The locals fanatically look after its great diversity of flowers and tree species, and they make of this an ideal place for resting and getting together.

"Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ" Parish
It was Doña Eugenia Tapia de Cruz who donated this land to build the wooden chapel which was blessed the 25 of December of 1887. In 1908 this first chapel was replaced by the current church of Romanic style. The main altar is made of marble from Carrara, and two altars dedicated to the Purest Conception and the Holiest Virgin of Luján stand on the sides. The remains of Doña Eugenia have found eternal rest in this church.

Eva Peron Boulevard
The main reason to undertake this work was the desire to give an urban and scenery response to the space that was recovered after the canalising of the Tajamar Stream. There is a full body sculpture of Eva Duarte Peron in the central plaza, which gives its name to the boulevard.

Barrio Neighbourhood El Cazador
In its early years it was an estancia where deer hunting was practiced. Then, little by little, those looking for a peaceful place to dwell established themselves in the beautiful lands where the ravines dominate the valley. Most of the houses show a country style, and there is a huge 63 m high chimney standing out amongst them, the inheritance of an alcohol distillery that once showed in the place. The Escobar Nautical Club is nearby, and a mysterious indigenous cemetery hides a few kilometres away. There is a mini zoo in this barrio, intended to be the delight of the little ones.

Doctor Agustin Campiglia Historic Regional Museum
Its name recalls a famed doctor in this community; and it houses numerous objects linked to the historical, social and cultural history of Escobar. The objects of archaeological character and the collection of autochthonous fauna stick out. Its parks and gardens are the ideal setting and an invitation to the shows performed in open air.

Barrio Obrero (Working-Class Neighbourhood)
It was opened during the first half of the 1950s, and it represents the classical architecture of Peron's chalet style applied to social dwellings.

San Vicente de Paul School - Floral Chapel of the Miraculous Medallion
This building used to be a religious seminar and now is the home of the House of Spiritual Retreats and the Bachelor School. The small though picturesque Floral Chapel of the Miraculous Medallion is only next to it.

Combatants of the Malvinas and Islands of the South Atlantic Plaza
This Plaza was conceived as a true homage to the Argentine heroes who fought on the Malvinas (or Falkland) Islands. There we can admire the sculptural motif called "The Heroes of the South", designed by Eduardo Audivert, and made by Ernesto Bertedor, which represents the four locals who gave their lives on this deed in the South Atlantic.

Brigadier Juan Manuel de Rosas Plaza
It was unveiled in 1997, and designed by sculptor Julio Cesar Dominguez. This garden of old vice-royal style allows visitors to enjoy a stroll amongst its rose bushes and jasmines. There is a bronze statue honoring to Rosas, the only one showing him in full body in the country, standing in the centre. The gardener wears a replica of the bright red coloured suits used by Rosas' soldiers.

Temaikén Theme Park
Temaikén, "Land of Life", was designed for the purpose of surprising visitors while they go around, offering them the chance to watch a great variety of wild animals in their original habitats from different spots. It also has more than 1000 trees and shrubs, and a technological infrastructure of last generation discreetly disseminated in a total surface of 34 hectares.

In order to awaken visitors' curiosity, the Interactive Centres in Temaikén combine setting, audiovisual and informatics resources. They offer an integral vision of the way ecosystems work and, fundamentally, invite to take conscience of the importance of protecting nature.