SQUARES AND CHURCHES

25 de Mayo Square
In its center stands a sculpture called "Ona al Acecho" (the Stalking Ona). A few m away, one may find the "Time Capsule", consisting of a container with six laser video disks in it with copies of a 1992 television show including messages from hundreds of Argentines. On the outside, an inscription reads "do not open until October 2nd 2492". At one end of the Square are the busts of Augusto Laserre (Commander of the South Atlantic Expeditionary Forces Division of the Argentinean Navy); Don José de San Martín (Army General of the Grenadier Hussars and Argentine patriot, Liberator of South America); and Manuel Belgrano (General of the Northern Army, member of the first National Government and creator of the Argentine flag). Maipú and 25 de Mayo.

12th October Square or Civic Square and Obelisk
Here stands the Obelisk signaling the day of the first raising of the Argentine National Flag in Tierra del Fuego. The expedition commanded by Commodore Augusto Laserre, arriving from De los Estados Island, creates the Naval Sub-Prefecture on October 12th 1884, with the purpose of reaffirming the sovereignty of Argentine in this area. This event gives the Square its name and its date is the founding anniversary of the city. Maipú and Laserre.

Paseo del Centenario (Centenario Mall)
The focal point of this Mall is the "Monument to the Centenary of the City's Foundation". The multi-directional spikes on this monument represent the groups of immigrants coming from different locations and arriving at this southerly point in different times. The fountain represents the Pipo and Olivia Rivers. This Mall is completely surrounded with natural greenery and recreational facilities. Panorama Vantage Point, San Martín and Gobernador Paz. Access is gratis.

Municipal Tourist Office
The building boasts a pleasing façade of corrugated steel sheets that is one of the features that identifies its origins. It also has a 4-sloped roof and a stained glass window in front to let daylight in. Its entrance features a "cold hall", another typically Fueguian architectural idea. San Martín 674.

Ushuaia City Hall
Also known as the "Stone House" since its walls are, certainly, made of this material. Although its external facade was altered, it was built in 1903 by order of Don Victorio Llorente, mayor of the Relapsing Prisoners' Jail at the time in Ushuaia. San Martín 660.

"Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas" (Southern Scientific Research Center)
This Research Center is placed at the south-western tip of Ushuaia Bay. Although not open to the general public, any scientist visiting the city will be received calling Tel. (0901) 422278 / 422310. In this major research facility, researchers study climate, marine biology, geology, glaciology, hydrology, flora, fauna, anthropology and the archaeology of Tierra del Fuego and the surrounding area.

Gendarmería Nacional Square - Monument to Martín Güemes
In this square in Maipú Street is located the bronze bust of Gral. Martín Miguel de Güemes who acts as protector of the Square and patron of the Argentine Border Guard Service. A number of decreasing arches forms a horizontal and vertical perspective leading to a visual "vanishing point" coinciding with the XXVI Border Marker Post. Ultimately, the National Flag creates a backdrop to the perspective, rising from a platform placed on solid ground.

Luis Fique Square
This Square shows the bust of prefect Luis Fique, placed at the entry of the passageway named after him that crosses the deepest part of Ushuaia Bay. Fique (1849-1923) is considered to be an Argentine pioneer. He came to Ushuaia in 1884 with the expedition of Commodore Augusto Laserre. Maipú and Pasaje Luis Fique.

Ushuaia's Old Church
Consecrated in 1898, the new parish is created only in 1949. So the Old Church ceases to function and almost totally deteriorates with time until its reconstruction begins in 1997, and it is inaugurated again on December 24 1998. The building is one unit covered by a two-slope roof, with an (original) nave measuring about six by eighteen m, while its 2 ½ m (approx.) belfry was built a century after the original building. Maipú 830.

Our Lady of Mercy Church
This replaced the old church on Maipú 900, which was the first Roman Catholic parish opened by Salesian missionaries in 1898. Built of wood and steel sheeting, it was renewed at its centenary. The new church was built in 1942 with the contributions of the whole city on a lot donated by the Fique family. The church tower clock began working in 1949 and the church and parish house were then inaugurated. The church measures approx. 25 m long by 10 wide, with a maximum height of 11 m., and is rounded off with a presbytery and a belfry. San Martín and Don Bosco.