Mar del Plata history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the development of these lands began long before the appearance of the modern resort. The first attempt to establish a settlement here was made by the Jesuits, who founded the Nuestra Señora del Pilar mission near the Laguna de los Padres in 1746, although it was abandoned shortly after.

The true predecessor of the city was an industrial settlement that emerged around a meat salting factory (saladero), built in 1857. Landowner Patricio Peralta Ramos, who purchased these territories, saw immense potential in them and sought official recognition for the settlement. The founding date of the city of Mar del Plata is considered to be 10 February 1874, when the corresponding government decree was signed.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a modest settlement into the premier resort that all of Argentina takes pride in was made possible by a combination of several factors:

• Geographical Location: The picturesque Atlantic coastline and the presence of natural conditions for creating a port predetermined the city's dual destiny — as a centre for tourism and the fishing industry.
• Railway Connection: The arrival of the train from Buenos Aires in 1886 was a decisive event. It reduced travel time and opened the coast to the capital's elite, triggering a construction boom.
• Private Initiative: The efforts of figures such as Pedro Luro, who actively invested in the development of infrastructure, hotels, and agriculture, accelerated the region's urbanisation.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early years, the city's economy was based exclusively on processing livestock products: the production of salted meat, hides, and fat. This shaped the lifestyle of a typical working settlement of that era.

However, the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries brought radical cultural changes. The city began to reorient itself towards European standards of leisure, striving to become the South American equivalent of Biarritz. During this period, the culture of summer residences was born: wealthy families built luxurious villas, introducing social sophistication, the fashion for sea bathing, and the social rituals of high society, which formed the unique aristocratic spirit of early Mar del Plata.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1746 — Jesuits establish a mission in the area of modern-day Laguna de los Padres but abandon it a few years later.
• 1857 — Portuguese entrepreneur Coelho de Meyrelles builds a meat salting factory, leading to the emergence of the first permanent settlement.
• 10 February 1874 — Considered the official founding date of the city of Mar del Plata on the initiative of Patricio Peralta Ramos.
• 1886 — Opening of the railway connection with Buenos Aires, which gave impetus to the city's development as the country's main seaside resort.
• 1905 — Completion of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Cecilia, one of the city's architectural symbols.
• 1916 — Grand opening of the sea port, which eventually turned Mar del Plata into the largest fishing centre in Argentina.
• 1939 — Inauguration of the monumental Central Casino building, designed by architect Alejandro Bustillo.
• 1943 — Construction of the Torre Tanque water tower, which became an important landmark and observation deck.
• 1954 — The Mar del Plata International Film Festival is held for the first time, the only "A" class festival in Latin America.
• 1975 — The National University of Mar del Plata is founded, merging several previously existing educational institutions.
• 1978 — The city hosts World Cup matches at the specially built José María Minella Stadium.
• 1995 — Mar del Plata becomes the host of the XII Pan American Games, contributing to the modernisation of sports infrastructure.

Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Mar del Plata is a story of transformation from a small industrial settlement into a major seaside resort and an important economic centre of Argentina. The key milestones of this journey reflect economic, cultural, and urban planning changes.

• Rise of the Aristocratic Resort (1886–1920s): With the arrival of the railway from Buenos Aires in 1886, the city began to develop rapidly as a summer residence for the capital's elite. This period was marked by the construction of luxurious villas, hotels, and chalets in European styles, forming its initial fashionable appearance.
• Port Construction and Growth of Fishing (1916): The opening of the deep-water port in 1916 was a turning point for the city's economy. It gave a powerful boost to the development of the fishing industry, turning Mar del Plata into the country's largest fishing hub and attracting many immigrants, primarily from Italy.
• "Golden Age" and Monumental Architecture (1930s–1940s): During this time, under the direction of architect Alejandro Bustillo, iconic structures were erected, including the Central Casino complex and the Grand Hotel Provincial. These monumental buildings defined the city's famous promenade and cemented its status as a glamorous leisure centre.
• Democratisation of Tourism (1940s–1960s): Social reforms in the mid-20th century made seaside holidays accessible to the broader population. Mass construction of more budget-friendly hotels and boarding houses began in the city, forever changing its social landscape and turning it into Argentina's most popular resort.
• Development of a Cultural and Educational Centre (1954–1975): The establishment of the International Film Festival in 1954 and the founding of the National University of Mar del Plata in 1975 highlighted the city's growth as an important cultural and scientific centre, extending beyond just the tourism sector.
• Infrastructure Modernisation through Sport (1978 and 1995): Hosting matches for the 1978 World Cup and the 1995 Pan American Games facilitated large-scale modernisation. The José María Minella Stadium and other sports facilities were built, significantly improving urban infrastructure.
• Technological Diversification (since the 1980s): Starting from the mid-1980s, the city's economy began to diversify with the emergence of enterprises in the electronics and telecommunications sectors, complementing traditional industries such as tourism and fishing.

The architectural appearance of Mar del Plata is a visual history of its transformation from an exclusive resort for the aristocracy into a centre of mass tourism. Different eras have left their mark on the urban fabric, creating an eclectic yet harmonious blend of styles.

The "Belle Époque" and Picturesque Eclecticism (Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries)

The initial stage of the city's development as a resort for wealthy families from Buenos Aires was marked by the construction of luxurious villas and chalets. During this period, the picturesque style dominated, inspired by European architecture. Mansions in Norman, Tudor, and Alpine styles appeared on the city streets, especially in the Los Troncos and Stella Maris neighbourhoods. Architects freely mixed elements, creating unique residences that still shape the aristocratic image of old Mar del Plata today.

Monumental Academicism (1930s – 1940s)

This era is linked to the name of architect Alejandro Bustillo and his monumental projects that defined the look of the central promenade. Based on his designs, two symmetrical buildings were erected — the Central Casino and the Grand Hotel Provincial. These structures in the Neoclassical Academic style became symbols of the resort's "Golden Age," when the state sought to create a majestic public space for leisure.

Modernism and the "Mar del Plata Style" (1940s – 1970s)

With the democratisation of tourism in the mid-20th century, a construction boom began. There was a need for mass and more affordable accommodation — hotels and apartment buildings. This led to the "verticalisation" of the city and the spread of modernist ideas. At the same time, a unique local architectural phenomenon was born — the "Mar del Plata Style" (Estilo Mar del Plata). Its characteristic features include:

• Facade cladding with local quartzite (piedra Mar del Plata).
• Wooden elements, such as balconies and frames.
• Sloped tiled roofs.

This style was a response to the need to create a cosy resort atmosphere amidst mass development and remains the city's calling card to this day.

Contemporary Architecture (Since the 1980s to Present)

The modern stage is characterised by a diversity of architectural solutions, from postmodernism to the latest trends in high-rise construction. The densification of urban development continues, with new residential complexes, shopping centres, and hotels appearing. Architects continue a dialogue with the city's rich heritage, sometimes reinterpreting its historical styles in modern projects, but a single dominant style is absent.

Prominent Figures Associated with Mar del Plata

The city of Mar del Plata, one of Argentina's most important cultural and tourist centres, has been the birthplace or home to many outstanding figures who have left a significant mark on the history and culture of the country and the world.

• Ástor Piazzolla (1921–1992) — Composer and bandoneon player. Born in Mar del Plata, he is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Piazzolla revolutionised traditional tango by creating a new style, tango nuevo, enriching it with elements of jazz and classical music. His work received worldwide acclaim, and in his homeland, he is known as "The Great Ástor" (El Gran Ástor).
• Guillermo Vilas (born 1952) — Tennis player. Raised in Mar del Plata, Vilas became one of the greatest tennis stars of the 1970s. He won four Grand Slam titles and 62 ATP tournaments, popularising tennis in Argentina and throughout Latin America. He is considered one of the best clay-court players in history.
• Alfonsina Storni (1892–1938) — Poet and writer. Although Storni was born in Switzerland, her life and tragic death are inextricably linked to Mar del Plata. She was a key figure in Latin American modernism and feminism. A monument stands at the site of her death in Mar del Plata, and her story inspired the famous song "Alfonsina y el Mar" ("Alfonsina and the Sea").
• Osvaldo Soriano (1943–1997) — Writer and journalist. A native of Mar del Plata, Soriano became one of the most widely read Argentine authors in the 1980s and 1990s. His novels, combining fact and fiction, often with elements of parody and political criticism, have been translated into many languages.
• Emiliano Martínez (born 1992) — Footballer, goalkeeper. Born in Mar del Plata, he is a 2022 World Cup champion with the Argentine national team and winner of the "Golden Glove" award for the best goalkeeper of the 2022 World Cup. His sporting achievements have made him one of the most famous modern natives of the city.
• Juan Carlos Castagnino (1908–1972) — Muralist painter. A native of Mar del Plata, Castagnino was a distinguished Argentine artist known for his murals, drawings, and paintings, which often depicted the people and landscapes of Argentina.
• Victoria Ocampo (1890–1979) — Writer, publisher, and philanthropist. An influential figure in Argentina's intellectual life and founder of the famous literary magazine "Sur". Although she was born in Buenos Aires, her summer villa in Mar del Plata was an important cultural centre, which she later bequeathed to UNESCO.