THE CITY

Colonial and modern, safe and welcoming, Salta attracts thousands of visitors every year, who when stepping on its soil, wonder at the sight of an urban profile outlined by one story houses and narrow streets and sidewalks, neatly singled out in the canvas suggested by the brownish green of the surrounding mountains.

Salta stands at 1187 m.a.s.l., at the foot of the San Bernardo Mountain, and its current population is of about 500,000 inhabitants.

The action core of the capital city is the Plaza 9 de Julio, a wooded park around which stand some of the most interesting buildings in town, besides the main hotels and many sweet and coffee shops.

The San Bernardo Mountain, with the image of "The Redeemer and The Cross", dominates the panorama's ampleness, and constitutes a landmark on the Salta sierras, around which a monument to Güemes, one of the mythical heroes of Argentinean's independence, has been built.

Here, defying time and the transformation of the capital city, but full of history, the houses of Martín Miguel de Güemes, Arias Rengel, Leguizamón, Hernández, Uriburu and the Historic Town Council or Casona de los Castañares (House of the Chestnuts), are still kept.

And as a part of history extending itself to present times, palpable through the buildings, stand the churches, symbols of a strong religious faith that has been consolidated throughout the years. But above the accumulation of richness, locals and visitors alike with no distinction at all, cannot help but be touched by the popular faith aroused by the Señor y la Virgen del Milagro (Lord and Virgin of the Miracle), the spiritual patrons of this province.

Travellers must know that Salta has a tradition for religious celebrations, especially during the month of September. The commemoration of the Semana de Salta (Week of Salta), that goes from the 13th to the 20th of July, is a colourful and exceptionally glittering festivity as well.

During the 20th century Salta accelerated its development and doubled its population, especially during the periods 1914 - 1947 and 1947 - 1960. Around the decade of the thirties, the neighbourhoods or urban extensions begun to emerge and the use of the San Bernardo Mountain skirts for residential purposes started, along with the expansion of the neo-colonial architectonic style.

Since 1960, the trend to move to the suburbs was very powerful, and included the building of the new Civic Centre at the Lomas de Madeiros by the end of the eighties.

Thereby, the features of modernization added to the old city have imposed another rhythm on it. A display of intense townspeople's activity is taking place, stimulating and satisfying tourism.

There are many folkloric restaurants where traditional music is performed and danced, and where regional dishes and wines can be enjoyed. There are also many establishments selling craftsmanship, where the silver, pottery and fabric works are prominent.

The city has an airport with daily flights to and from Buenos Aires, San Salvador de Jujuy, Tucuman and Bolivia. It has a highway system which connects it with almost every major city in the country as well.

Its warmth and peacefulness, and the kindness of its mild weather, allow for the most diverse activities: the historic strolling through its big old houses, temples and museums, the tasting of local delicacies, the enjoying of its surroundings, where nature already starts to dazzle, or the charming nightlife of its prestigious folk restaurants and modern discotheques.