Corrientes history

The city of Corrientes, located in north-eastern Argentina, boasts a rich history closely tied to the colonial era and its strategic position on the Paraná River.

Foundation and Early Years

The official date of the city's foundation is considered to be 3 April 1588. Its founder was the Spanish adelantado (conqueror and governor) Juan Torres de Vera y Aragón. Initially, the settlement was given the lengthy name San Juan de Vera de las Siete Corrientes, which translates as "Saint John of Vera of the Seven Currents". Over time, the name was shortened simply to Corrientes. The "Seven Currents" in the name referred to a specific feature of the Paraná River at this location: seven peninsulas on its bank created currents that made navigation difficult. Before the arrival of Europeans, these lands were inhabited primarily by the Guarani indigenous people.

Key Factors of Establishment

The development of the city was driven by several key factors, primarily geographical and economic:

• Strategic Location: Corrientes was founded as a vital transit point on the waterway between Asunción (the capital of Paraguay) and Buenos Aires. This made it a key link in the region's transport and trade network.
• Trade and Economy: The city quickly began to prosper thanks to river traffic. It served as a port and a processing centre for agricultural products such as tobacco, cotton, rice, and yerba mate.
• Cultural Influence: A significant role in the early history of the province was played by Jesuit missions, which were dedicated to spreading Christianity among the indigenous population. The influence of Guarani culture is still palpable, and since 2004, the Guarani language has been the second official language of the province alongside Spanish.

Key Dates in the History of Corrientes

The history of Corrientes is rich in events, ranging from colonial times to key moments in the formation of modern Argentina. Below is a chronology of the most important milestones in the city's development.

• 3 April 1588 — Spanish conquistador Juan Torres de Vera y Aragón founded the city under the name San Juan de Vera de las Siete Corrientes.
• 1814–1820 — During the struggle for independence from Spain, Corrientes joined the "League of the Free Peoples", a federalist union of provinces.
• 1856 — The first postage stamps were issued in Corrientes, which are a great rarity today and highly valued by philatelists.
• 13 April 1865 — The city was captured by Paraguayan troops, which became one of the key events that triggered the beginning of the War of the Triple Alliance.
• 1913 — The grand opening of the Juan de Vera Theatre took place, which remains the city's main cultural centre to this day.
• 10 May 1973 — The General Manuel Belgrano Bridge was opened, connecting Corrientes with the city of Resistencia and ending centuries of transport isolation for the region.
• 1982 — Devastating floods on the Paraná River led to a review of urban infrastructure and the construction of defensive structures.
• 1998 — Construction of the major "Yacyretá" hydroelectric power station upstream from the city was completed, marking an important step in the region's energy development.
• 28 September 2004 — The Guarani language received the status of a second official language in the province of Corrientes, highlighting the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples.

Key Stages of City Development

The development of Corrientes over the centuries has been defined by its strategic position, economic opportunities, and cultural characteristics. The following are the main milestones that have shaped the modern appearance of the city.

• Foundation as a River Port (1588): Initially, the city was conceived as a strategic point on the river route between Asunción and Buenos Aires. This defined its economic role as a centre for trade and the transshipment of goods, such as tobacco, cotton, and yerba mate, for many centuries to come.
• Becoming an Educational Hub (1956): With the founding of the National University of the Northeast (UNNE), the city transformed into an important educational and scientific centre for the region. This attracted youth, lecturers, and researchers to Corrientes, providing a powerful impulse for social and cultural development.
• Construction of the General Belgrano Bridge (1973): The opening of the bridge connecting Corrientes with the neighbouring city of Resistencia across the Paraná River was a revolutionary event. The bridge ended transport isolation, integrating the province into the national road network and significantly accelerating economic growth and inter-regional connections.
• Energy Development — "Yacyretá" HPP (1994–1998): Although the hydroelectric power plant itself is located upstream, its construction and launch had a huge impact on the entire province. The project provided the region with stable electricity, created thousands of jobs, and contributed to the modernisation of infrastructure.
• Strengthening Cultural Identity (2004): Granting the Guarani language the status of a second official language in the province of Corrientes was a landmark cultural event. This step highlighted the unique heritage of the region, closely linked to the culture of the indigenous Guarani people, and officially cemented its bilingual character.

The architectural appearance of Corrientes represents a harmonious combination of colonial heritage and monumental construction from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Urban development progressed from simple structures of the colonial era to the creation of majestic buildings that define the character of its historic centre today.

Monumental Architecture of the 19th Century: Italian Influence

In the second half of the 19th century, the urban planning of Corrientes was strongly influenced by European, particularly Italian, architectural trends. During this period, key public buildings were erected that defined the city's prestigious status. The main styles were Neoclassicism and the Italianate style (Italian Renaissance).

• Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary (Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario): Construction took place from 1854 to 1872. The building is designed in the Italian Neoclassical style and was the first in the city to be crowned with a dome. Its façade is adorned with a portico featuring six columns, and the towers are covered with French tiles.
• Government House (Casa de Gobierno): Erected between 1881 and 1886, this palace is one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance architecture in the city. Designed by engineer Juan Col, it marked the beginning of monumental construction in the historic centre of Corrientes. The building is distinguished by an inner courtyard with arcades and an external gallery (loggia).

Eclecticism and Belle Époque of the Early 20th Century

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the appearance of buildings in the Belle Époque style, characterised by a mixture of elements from different styles (Eclecticism) and the use of decorative motifs from Art Nouveau.

• Juan de Vera Theatre (Teatro Juan de Vera): Opened in 1913, the theatre became a vivid symbol of this era. Its architecture combines Eclecticism with Art Nouveau elements, evident in its flowing lines and ornaments. A unique feature of the theatre is its sliding dome roof, allowing performances to be held under the open sky, which was an innovative solution for that time.

These iconic buildings, concentrated in the historic part of the city, form its unique architectural ensemble, which is complemented by more modern structures while preserving its historical charm.

Distinguished Figures Connected to the City of Corrientes

The city and province of Corrientes have given Argentina and the world many talented and influential people. Their contributions span politics, military affairs, culture, and the arts, reflecting the rich and multifaceted history of the region.

• Juan Torres de Vera y Aragón (1527–1613) — Spanish conquistador and adelantado, founder of the city of Corrientes. On 3 April 1588, he established the settlement that became an important strategic and trading centre on the Paraná River, forever inscribing his name in the region's history.
• José de San Martín (1778–1850) — A national hero of Argentina and one of the leaders of the war for the independence of Spanish colonies in America. Born in Yapeyú, in the territory of the modern province of Corrientes. His military genius and dedication to the idea of freedom made him a key figure in the history of not only Argentina but also Chile and Peru.
• Andrés Guacurarí (Andresito) (1778–1821) — A leader of the Guarani people and a military commander. He was the adopted son of José Artigas and became the first and only indigenous person to hold the post of provincial governor in Argentine history. He defended the principles of federalism and fought for the rights of indigenous peoples.
• Genaro Berón de Astrada (1801–1839) — A military and political figure, governor of the province of Corrientes. He led the resistance against the centralist policies of Juan Manuel de Rosas and became a symbol of the struggle for federalism, dying in the Battle of Pago Largo. His remains rest in the Cathedral of Corrientes.
• Mario del Tránsito Cocomarola (1918–1974) — An outstanding musician, bandoneonist, and composer, known as the "Father of Chamamé". The author of hundreds of compositions, including the famous "Kilómetro 11", he became one of the most influential figures in the history of this musical genre. On the day of his death, 19 September, National Chamamé Day is celebrated in Argentina.
• Teresa Parodi (born 1947) — A renowned singer, composer, and songwriter in the folk music genre. Born in Corrientes, she became one of the most recognisable voices of Argentina. During her career, she also served as the country's Minister of Culture, contributing to the development and promotion of Argentine art.