La Plata: present and history of the “city of diagonals”
The city of La Plata, Buenos Aires province’s capital, is distinguished not only as a relevant scientific place, but also as an important tourist, cultural and gastronomic attraction. LACAME’s assistants would appreciate its famous urbanistic style, designed by Arq. Pedro Benoit with all its notable buildings: the neo-gothic Cathedral, the neo-Renaissance Townhouse, and the modern Argentine Theatre.
Climate expected during the meeting
For the first half of November, when the meeting will take place, mild and pleasant Spring-like weather is expected, ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. Typical weather conditions for the region at this time of year include average high temperatures between 23°C and 25°C, with lows of 15°C to 16°C.
Attendees are advised to bring light clothing for the early mornings and evenings, as well as an umbrella, in anticipation of the occasional rain showers characteristic of the season, which tend to occur on approximately four days throughout the month. This is the time when the jacaranda trees, with their blue-violet blossoms, and the lapacho trees turn pink.
A little bit of history …
After several decades of civil war, the recently born Confederación de las Provincias Unidas del Río de La Plata (United River Plate State’s Confederation) was built over the join of currently founder states with a condition: Buenos Aires should be split into a city and a province (State), both keeping the same name. But the Buenos Aires province needed a city where locate administrative government…
In 1882 was found La Plata, following the highest standards at the moment. La Plata was born as a city, with administrative buildings, rail, planned streets and avenues, and squares and parks centered on avenue intersections, every six blocks.
The location was selected in relation to a natural harbor (Santiago River, about 10 km to the northeast) and not too close but also not too far from Buenos Aires (about 50 km northwest). At that time, the Pampean plateau was disputed between originary people (Indians) and criollos (Spanish descendants) Millions of hectares were uncultivated, unlike what you currently can see.
But La Plata was not only an administrative place, it soon became an important economic, cultural and academic city.
As an administrative city, it plays two roles: both State’s and county (Municipal) capital. There’s a townhouse, a House of Representatives, Ministries buildings, Governor’s House…Close to La Plata is Ensenada. It was a very old town located near de River Plate, on the north margin of Santiago River. Between the XVI and XIX centuries,it was the perfect place to unload illegal cargo and people (like Muslims and, specially, Sepharad jews running away from catholic prosecution “Santa Inquisition”) before ships arrived at the custom located at Buenos Aires. That’s why two attempts of British invasions (1806 and 1807) started on these shores on their way to Buenos Aires.
With La Plata harbor, and railways to Buenos Aires and from there to other places in Argentina, two big meat enterprises were located at the Santiago’s River south margins. Lots of immigrants started to settle down. Berisso, a newly small town on the Santiago River’s south margin, grew up quickly.
La Plata today
The Great La Plata is currently formed by Berisso, Ensenada and La Plata. With about 1 million inhabitants (90% living in La Plata and surroundings), there are no more “frigorificos” (meat factories) but instead, it’s the largest petrochemical industry in Argentina. Great La Plata is also one of main horticulture productors (tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, artichoke, flowers, bell peppers, fennel, onion, pumpkin, among many other vegetables).
Higher education, universities and scientific activities
One of the largest Argentinian universities is located in La Plata (Universidad Nacional de La Plata) but also the local branch of National Technological University and the Catholic University at La Plata. That means more than hundred thousand students, mainly from all over the country and a lot from other countries, especially Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Peru. Arts (especially music) are enriched with so many young people.
The National University of La Plata (UNLP) is one of the most important universities in Argentina, with 17 faculties. Its strong academic presence is enhanced by a top-tier scientific conglomerate: the CONICET La Plata Scientific and Technological Center (CCT), which currently comprises 30 research units (institutes) jointly affiliated with UNLP, covering a vast range of topics across all areas of knowledge. Many of these units are located near the Paseo del Bosque park. Among them, those dedicated to the Exact and Natural Sciences stand out, such as the La Plata Physics Institute (IFLP), the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Physicochemical Research (INIFTA), and the Center for Geological Research (CIG), whose cutting-edge research positions La Plata as a leading center in these disciplines. It is worth noting that the meeting will take place at the IFLP headquarters, and that these three institutes are located on the same property, around an internal plaza, which will greatly facilitate interaction and access for participants to these research units.
Sightseeing, leisure, cultural, sports and shopping offer
For those seeking to enjoy nature and the outdoors, the city offers an extensive network of green spaces. Paseo del Bosque is the main green lung, ideal for walks, and within it lies the renowned Museum of Natural Sciences, the Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory of the National University of La Plata (UNLP), and the Jorge Luis Hirschi and Juan Carmelo Zerillo stadiums. This network of promenades is complemented by other plazas and parks of great scenic and historical value, such as Plaza Moreno, Plaza España, Plaza Malvinas Argentinas, and Saavedra, Alberti, San Martín, and Castelli parks, which invite relaxation and leisure. Special mention should be made of the Children’s Republic, an iconic theme and educational park that, with its scale architectural replicas, offers a unique playful and cultural experience for families to enjoy.
The cultural offerings are complemented by iconic spaces such as the Pasaje Dardo Rocha—recently renovated as the Municipal Arts Center—which houses museums, cinemas, and top-tier exhibitions, and the Islas Malvinas Cultural Center, a dynamic hub with exhibition halls, a small cinema, and an auditorium where a variety of cultural events take place. The culinary scene is another major draw, with a diverse and modern selection concentrated in both traditional and emerging culinary circuits. Visitors can explore the quaint bars and craft breweries of the Meridiano V neighborhood, the vibrant culinary options along Diagonal 74, or the elegant establishments on Avenues 51 and 53 between 3 and 6, not to mention the neighboring town of City Bell, with its charming downtown brimming with excellent restaurants and bars.
And for those wishing to purchase local products and souvenirs, the city offers a diverse range of shopping options. Highlights include the Meridiano V Shopping Promenade, with its selection of circular fashion and local design, and the traditional weekend craft fairs, which are held in plazas and parks such as Plaza Italia, Plaza Moreno, Plaza Malvinas Argentinas, Parque Saavedra, and Plaza Belgrano in City Bell. Here, you can find unique pieces of ceramics, textiles, agroecological products, and handicrafts from various disciplines. Finely crafted traditional and regional clothing can be found in shops along Diagonal 74 and Calle 48, or Calle 6 and 49. Without a doubt, this is a city that invites exploration beyond the confines of work.
Near La Plata, there are other beautiful places to visit.
In Berisso, you can see the corrugated zinc houses built by workers and immigrants during the first half of the 20th century; and Nueva York Street, the origin of an important political movement in Argentina.
Very close by is the Santiago River Delta, a beautiful natural environment where you can enjoy water sports, fishing, or simply the tranquility of nature just a few kilometers from the city.
Following the coast north, you’ll find Punta Lara, a river resort with sandy beaches and campsites. The Río de la Plata is a vast, shallow, flat estuary with suspended sediment and warm waters.
20 km northwest of La Plata is Pereyra Iraola Park, located on what was once part of a 19th-century ranch. Its trees were imported and planted at that time, making it a vital green space for the region. In the center of the park stands the “casco,” a typical building of the landowning oligarchy of that era.
