La Rioja history

The city of La Rioja was officially founded on 20 May 1591 by the Spanish governor Juan Ramírez de Velasco. Initially, the settlement received the solemn and lengthy name Ciudad de Todos los Santos de la Nueva Rioja, which translates as "City of All Saints of the New Rioja". The founder named the city in honour of his homeland in Spain, seeking to bring a piece of European tradition to the South American continent.

The site for the city's foundation at the foot of the Sierra de Velasco mountain range was chosen due to its strategic advantages. This location provided natural protection from winds and offered access to vital water resources in an arid climate. La Rioja was conceived as a key transport hub connecting northern colonial centres with the Cuyo region and Chile, which facilitated the development of trade and strengthened administrative control over the territory.

From its early years, the settlement's economy relied on agriculture adapted to oasis conditions. It was here that the active cultivation of grapevines and olive trees began, which over time made the region famous throughout Argentina. The cultural appearance of the city was formed under the strong influence of the indigenous Diaguita people. A vivid reflection of this history is the tradition of Tinkunaco — a symbolic ritual representing the peaceful interaction and fusion of Spanish culture with the traditions of the native inhabitants.

The Colonial Era and Establishment

• 1591 — Spanish conquistador Juan Ramírez de Velasco officially founds the city under the name Ciudad de Todos los Santos de la Nueva Rioja.
• 1593 — The first celebration of "Tinkunaco" takes place, symbolising the peaceful meeting and fusion of the cultures of the Spanish and the indigenous Diaguita people.
• 18th Century — The city develops as an important centre for viticulture and olive oil production, supplying neighbouring regions.
• 1820s — La Rioja becomes one of the strongholds of federalism in Argentina, playing a significant role in the country's political life.

Natural Challenges and Modernisation

• 1894 — A major earthquake causes serious damage to historical buildings, leading to the need for a large-scale reconstruction of the city.
• 1912 — Construction is completed on the majestic Cathedral Basilica of San Nicolás de Bari, which became the city's main temple.
• 1930 — The Los Sauces dam is commissioned, ensuring a stable water supply and irrigation in the arid climate.
• 1971 — The Provincial University of La Rioja is founded, marking an important step in the development of the region's educational system.

Modern Stage of Development

• 1979 — The introduction of an industrial promotion regime stimulates the opening of light industry factories and leads to rapid population growth.
• 1993 — The local higher education institution is transformed into the National University of La Rioja (UNLaR), significantly expanding the list of faculties.
• 2000s — Active development of tourism infrastructure turns the city into a convenient starting point for trips to the province's national parks.
• Present day — La Rioja strengthens its status as the cultural capital of the region, annually hosting the National Festival of La Chaya.

Key Stages of La Rioja's Transformation

• Foundation as a Strategic Outpost (1591)
  The establishment of the city by Juan Ramírez de Velasco was crucial for colonial-era logistics. La Rioja became a link between northern settlements and the Cuyo region, ensuring an influx of traders and artisans.
• Formation of an Agrarian Profile
  The implementation of irrigation systems and the cultivation of grapes and olives defined the city's economic specialisation for centuries to come. This laid the foundation for the creation of famous vineyards and production facilities that are the region's hallmark today.
• Architectural Renewal after the Earthquake (1894)
  A destructive natural disaster forced a complete revision of urban planning standards. The restoration of the city led to the appearance of wider streets and earthquake-resistant buildings, shaping the modern look of the historic centre.
• Hydraulic Engineering Breakthrough (1930s)
  The construction of the Los Sauces dam was a turning point in combating the arid climate. A stable water supply allowed for the expansion of city boundaries and the creation of green zones, making the city more comfortable for living.
• Era of Industrial Promotion (1979–1990s)
  The introduction of tax incentives attracted large manufacturing enterprises to La Rioja. This caused a true demographic boom, turning a quiet provincial town into an active industrial and administrative centre.
• Establishment of the University Cluster (1993)
  The creation of the National University of La Rioja (UNLaR) attracted young people from all over the country. This event stimulated the real estate market, the development of the service sector, and enriched the cultural life of the city.
• Development of Event Tourism (21st Century)
  Scaling up the "La Chaya" festival and improving tourism infrastructure allowed the city to diversify its economy, transforming into a popular destination for travellers exploring Argentine folklore.

Urban Structure and Climate Influence

The architectural appearance of La Rioja is shaped by two key factors: the strict canons of Spanish urban planning and the region's high seismic activity. The historic city centre is designed according to the classic "damero" (checkerboard) scheme — a rectangular grid of streets radiating from the main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo. Due to frequent earthquakes, especially the destructive tremor of 1894, practically no tall buildings from the early period have survived, and modern development remained low-rise for a long time.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The development of La Rioja's architecture can be roughly divided into three stages, each leaving its mark on the city's appearance:

• Colonial Period (16th–19th Centuries)
  Characterised by massive walls made of stone and adobe (unfired brick), designed to protect against the heat, and simple geometric forms. Very few authentic monuments of this era remain due to natural catastrophes. The most striking representative is the Temple of Santo Domingo (Templo de Santo Domingo), the oldest in Argentina, whose stone walls, erected in the early 17th century, have withstood the test of time.
• Period of Reconstruction and Eclecticism (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
  After the 1894 earthquake, the city was actively rebuilt. European styles came into fashion — Neoclassicism and Italian Academicism. Buildings of this period are distinguished by grand facades, the use of columns, pilasters, and decorative mouldings. This was the time when the city's modern administrative centre was formed.
• Modernism and Contemporary Times (From the Mid-20th Century)
  With population growth and industrial development in the 1970s, architecture became more utilitarian. Buildings in the style of Functionalism and Brutalism appeared, dominated by concrete and glass. A striking example of large-scale modern construction is the National University of La Rioja complex.

Iconic Buildings and Ensembles

Key architectural landmarks are concentrated around the main square, creating a contrasting ensemble of history and modernity:

• Cathedral Basilica of San Nicolás de Bari (Catedral Basílica) — A majestic structure opened in 1912. The building combines eclectic features with Byzantine motifs and elements of the Italian Renaissance. Its facade and atrium are the city's calling card.
• Government House (Casa de Gobierno) — An administrative building with Greco-Roman style elements, emphasising the official status of the provincial capital. It is characterised by strict lines and the presence of an inner courtyard (patio), typical of local architecture.
• Ruins of San Francisco — A historical monument preserving the remains of an old church and Jesuit monastery. This site clearly demonstrates the construction techniques of the colonial era prior to destruction.

Historical Leaders and Founders

• Juan Ramírez de Velasco (1539–1597)
  Spanish conquistador, Governor of Tucumán.
  The founder of the city. In 1591, he personally led the expedition and established the settlement, naming it in honour of his homeland in Spain. His figure is key to the city's existence as an administrative centre.
• Facundo Quiroga (1788–1835)
  Caudillo, military leader, and politician.
  Known as the "Tiger of the Plains", he was one of the most influential leaders of Argentine federalism in the 19th century. Quiroga fiercely defended the autonomy of La Rioja province from the central power of Buenos Aires and became a symbol of local resistance.
• Ángel Vicente Peñaloza (1798–1863)
  Military leader and caudillo.
  The legendary "El Chacho" continued the cause of the federalists. He enjoyed immense respect among the rural population of La Rioja and led the last major gaucho uprisings against the Unitarians.

Figures in Education and Politics

• Rosario Vera Peñaloza (1873–1950)
  Educator and enlightener.
  Received the honorary title "Teacher of the Homeland" (Maestra de la Patria). She dedicated her life to education reform and founded the first kindergarten in Argentina, setting standards for pre-school education for the entire country.
• Joaquín Víctor González (1863–1923)
  Lawyer, writer, politician, and educator.
  An outstanding intellectual who served as Governor of La Rioja. He was the author of the "National Labour Code" and founder of the National University of La Plata, but his political career began in his home province.
• Carlos Saúl Menem (1930–2021)
  Politician, lawyer.
  Twice elected President of Argentina (1989–1999). Before entering the national arena, he served three times as Governor of La Rioja province, playing a decisive role in its modernisation and industrial development in the second half of the 20th century.

Sports and Arts

• Ramón Díaz (born 1959)
  Footballer and manager.
  A native of the city of La Rioja. He became famous as an outstanding striker playing for the Argentina national team and European clubs, and later became one of the most titled managers in the history of Argentine football.