THE CITY

One of the visual features offered by Puerto Madryn to its visitors when they start exploring its streets is the great variety of architectural styles, a product of the different origins of the waves of immigrants arriving in the area.

The late 19th century style, featuring a central gallery, mainly used the materials brought by sea from Europe: wood and steel sheeting.

Afterwards, in the second decade of the following century, the influx of new immigrants brought new customs and building styles. The facade or frontispiece became important, marking the separation between the street and the inner rooms.

The main building material is now brickwork, and steel roofs are still used. Some elements of neo-classical architecture now begin to appear. Good examples are the "Antiguo Hotel" (28 de Julio 147) and the "Casa de la Cultura" (Roque Sáenz Peña 86).

After the Second World War, when a new wave of immigrants came, reinforced concrete technology is introduced and ornamentation quickly disappears.

The "North American" life style gains popularity. Sitting rooms and garages come into sight. This kind of building is found on España, Alvear, Estivariz and Gobernador Maíz Streets.

ALONG THE CITY STREETS
To make the best use of one time when exploring the downtown area of Puerto Madryn the city tour begin on Boulevard Marítimo Almirante Brown.

Facing Avenida Gales we find the monument to Libertador Don José de San Martín, at the foot of which lays the propeller and other items belonging to the "Transporte Villarino", the ship that brought his remains back to Argentina in 1880.

In the seventies, the members of the "Hermandad del Escrófalo", in an amazingly risky operation, recovered from the sea bottom these items that are on exhibition here today.

Here also, we will find the Monument to the Tehuelche Indian, by the sculptor Perlotti, which depicts one of the old residents of this region. From this point one can enjoy a beautiful scenic view of the city, its beaches and the industrial and fishing sectors.

Nearby lies the Monument to the Welsh "Saga", created by the architect Estanislao Boris and the sculptor Luis Perlotti, to honour the centenary of the city's foundation.

During his stroll, the traveler can stop at one of the many food establishments where he can sample diverse typical local dishes prepared with shellfish, other seafood or the much-prized Patagonian mutton.

Next to the Monument to the Tehuelche Indian is a gravel track leading to Lobería Punta Loma, the beaches away from the city, and the new Ecocentro (Ecology Center), Argentina's first information center on the marine ecosystem that, in an original statement, combines science with education and the arts.

Its exhibit, the only one of its kind in the 3,000 km of Patagonian coastline, and the different activities that take place there, offer vital information to unveil the secrets of nature.

The seafront building is the hub and starting point of all turistic activities: a haven of relaxation, it invites visitors to absorb all the wisdom nature can give to the human spirit.

The Eco-center is open all year. According to tourist inflow in the area, it operates with several timetables.

The Eco-center offers transport, stopping at the following spots:

Secretaría de Turismo (Tourism Office).

Hotel Península Valdés.

Hotel Tolosa.

Hotel Playa.

Hotel Bahía Nueva.

Apart Hotel Villa Pirén.

Hostal del Rey.

Hotel Costanera.

If you are interested in the evolution of local architecture, you should visit:

The Railway Station
This building was constructed in 1889 as a Patagonian Railway Station. It operated until 1961; 33 years later it was totally recycled, although it maintains its original structure. Now, the bus terminal operates here.

Casa Toschke
It was founded in 1921 by José Toschke, a German schoolteacher that lived in the area. This building held the city's first boarding school.

Compañía Mercantil del Chubut (Chubut Company)
This building was originally the headquarters of the Chubut Company, an important establishment with branches all over Patagonia, and its own fleet of vessels to bring merchandise from Europe to Buenos Aires. Now, a factory of scuba diving suits and gear occupies this building.