City Tour around San Miguel del Monte

San Miguel del Monte is one of the oldest cities in the Province of Buenos Aires. For such reason, in addition to its sports attractions, it amazes visitors with its colonial and rural buildings in combination with its modern service infrastructure.

As we got there, what first caught our eye was the waterfront avenue, called Juan Manuel de Rosas. A long drive ornamented by the lake, it changes according to what activity people choose to enjoy at this location, ranging from sports to angling, including jet skiing, sailing and rowing. There are special sectors for swimming, unload motorboats used for different purposes, fishing and even spend the night at a camping site or cabin.

We found a wide array of restaurants on the waterfront. Lunch, dinner and drinks are served at these venues. Also, some coffee houses offer the attractive view of the lake to all customers besides their delicacies. Steak houses are open all day and there is always a goat on the metal cross to tempt passer-bys.

In the evening, especially in the summer, the lights on the waterfront and the prevailing hot temperatures prevent everyone from going to sleep. They just choose to enjoy the cool air by the water as they taste some chill beer or ice-cream.

Upon entering the urban grid, several buildings take us back to the days when General Juan Manuel de Rosas bought estancias devoted to agriculture and cattle raising in this area. The most famous was called Los Cerrillos. One of its ranches remains intact. Boasting a strong pink hue, it has been moved from its original location and today it stands on the corner of Belgrano Street and the Waterfront Avenue.

At a very close distance, Guardia del Monte Municipal Museum treasures pieces of high historical value related to the early days of Monte, its forts and stations raised during the Indian raid period. A grand house with a noticeable access gates, iron bars and a grapevine in its inner yard is located at 200, Belgrano Street. It is known as Carancho Gonzalez’s house. He was one of Rosas’ deputies.

Saint Michael Archangel’s temple cannot hide its colonial origin. Declared National Historical Monument, it houses paintings by Soldi, Butler and De la Cárcova. We found it on the corner of Giagnacovo and Hipólito Yrigoyen Street and we spent some time beholding its splendid view.

San Miguel del Monte has always been an interesting destination for mini tourism. It is advisable to take advantage of this place on long weekends or, if we wish to spend a longer stay, in the summertime. This slow-paced town is a perfect combination of discos for young people and polo matches. As well, it is an invitation to drink some mate and taste rural delicacies.