Martínez (Argentina)

Martínez is a suburb of Buenos Aires, in Buenos Aires Province.

History
Its first settlers were the Guaraní Indians, whose main activity was agriculture along with hunting and fishing. The history of San Isidro begins in 1580 when Juan de Garay distributes the land north of Santísima Trinidad, today known as the city of Buenos Aires. What was called “Pago of the Coast or Monte Grande” is today known as the San Isidro district. In his memoirs, Garay recalls that he crossed paths with a Spanish Captain, Domingo de Acassuso, who promised to build a chapel in honor of San Isidro, and as a result becoming the main origin of the district. Today nothing remains of the first chapel constructed in 1707, but its location was respected and in its place stands the Cathedral of San Isidro.

By the end of the 18th century, San Isidro was already important, its territory included the present districts of Vicente Lopez, San Fernando, part of 3 de Febrero and also Belgrano. In all these years, the land destined for farming happened to be the place of rest and leisure of the families of the Buenosairean aristocracy. Additionally, important residences surrounded by immense gardens were constructed that gave San Isidro that particular aspect that with time got to distinguish it.

Get in

 * Tren de la Costa (Coastal Train) - The route runs along the Plate River. First serviced by British-built trains, the line was cancelled in the 1980s when cost exceeded revenues. In the early 2000s operational rights were bought out by another corporation and a tourist/sightseer train line was brought into service connecting Olivos and Tigre with 11 stops/stations in between. The old English-style stations were refurbished and some constructed anew. The vintage stations have a certain charm with their small shops selling refreshments and gifts, making them attractions in themselves.

Get around
The “Tren de la Costa” (turistic-passenger train) travels across Martínez in the way from Olivos to Tigre. Mitre train, in Tigre’s branch, has it own station in Martínez and is the quickest way to go to downtown Buenos Aires and the “Delta”. The main avenues, Santa Fe and Del Libertador, are the axis in Northern Suburbs the way to get to Downtown if you travel by car or bus (connection with subway).

Tourist Information: Ituzaingo 608 (Esq. Av. of the Liberador) Phone.: 4512-3209/3262

See

 * Cathedral of San Isidro: Av. of Liberador 16,200 Phone: 4743-0291/4990. Schedule: Every day from 08:00 to 19:00.


 * Town Council Hall:
 * Deliberative Council: 25 de Mayo 459 Phone.: 4512-3336 Schedule: from 08:00 to 14:00.
 * Theater of the Old Council: 9 de Julio 512 Phone.: 4512-3215


 * Municipal Historical Museum: Rivera Indarte 48 Phone: 4512-3131 Free entry.


 * Town Library, Archives and Library Museum: Av. Del Libertador 16362 Phone.: 4512-3282/3283 SLibrary and Historical Archive: Monday-Friday from 10:00 to 18:00. Free entry.

Do
San Isidro is home to a historically prominent Jockey Club.

Buy

 * Unicenter: The shopping center is Martínez's biggest and count among Argenitina's most important retail center. Shoppers can hunt for clothes, electronics, home decorations and furnishings. Unicenter also hosts the large supermarket, aptly named Jumbo, a food court and a fourteen-screen cinema complex. Paraná 3745, Martínez. Information: 4733-1111.

Go next

 * Tigre - a quaint town just up the river that serves as the gateway to the vast Paraná Delta, conveniently just a couple stops away on the Tren de la Costa!
 * Lujan - famous for its incredible (although controversial) zoo and its world famous cathedral.
 * San Antonio de Areco - just under 100km away, Areco is an old-fashioned village filled with ancient houses with colonial fences and narrow footpaths that speak of historic times.
 * Capilla del Señor - a snapshot of rural Argentine life on the pampas, it has been designated as the "First National Historical Town" in Argentina. With many cute cafes and restaurants surrounding central Plaza San Martín, many wealthy Argentines have their country houses here to facilitate the perfect weekend getaway.