San Martín de los Andes history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of San Martín de los Andes dates back to the late 19th century, during a period of active exploration in Patagonia. The city was officially founded on 4 February 1898 by Colonel Rudecindo Roca. The settlement emerged in the picturesque Chapelco Valley, a territory historically inhabited by the indigenous Mapuche people.

Key Factors of Formation

The birth of the city was dictated not so much by trade as by the strategic necessities of that time:

• Geopolitics and Borders: The primary goal of the foundation was to secure Argentina's sovereignty over these lands amidst border disputes with Chile. The city was established as a military outpost.
• Geography: Its location on the shores of Lake Lácar, surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, provided conditions for defence and habitation, although isolation from major centres remained a challenge for a long time.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, San Martín de los Andes formed a unique character, distinct from its modern tourist image:

• Timber Industry: Before the advent of tourism, the main driving force of the economy was the harvesting and processing of timber. Sawmills were the primary enterprises of the region.
• Architecture and Daily Life: The abundance of wood defined the city's appearance. Houses were built from local materials, laying the foundation for the future "Alpine" architectural style, which has become the resort's hallmark.
• Social Composition: The early population was a mix of military personnel, European immigrants, and representatives of indigenous peoples, creating a distinct cultural blend.

City Development Timeline

• 1898 — Colonel Rudecindo Roca officially founds the settlement on 4 February on the shores of Lake Lácar.
• 1900s — A period of isolation, when communication with the rest of the country was maintained primarily through Chile.
• 1937 — Creation of the Lanín National Park, marking the beginning of the transition from logging to nature conservation.
• 1946 — Foundation of the Lácar Club, which became the centre of social life and the development of mountain sports.
• 1964 — Establishment of the first official tourism commission, defining the future direction of the city's development.
• 1978 — Opening of the Chapelco ski centre, transforming the city into a winter resort of international standards.
• 1979 — Adoption of the municipal code, mandating the "Alpine" architectural style using stone and wood.
• 1981 — Arrival of natural gas to the city, giving a powerful impulse to the development of hotel infrastructure.
• 1990s — Modernisation of roads and the airport, making the region accessible to mass tourism.
• 2000s — The city establishes its status as the gastronomic capital of Patagonia and a centre for all-season tourism.

Major Development Milestones and Their Significance

The evolution of San Martín de los Andes represents a journey from a closed military settlement to a world-class tourism hub. Below are the key moments that defined the modern appearance of the city:

• Creation of Lanín National Park (1937)
  This event was a turning point in the region's economy. Until then, the main activity was logging. The establishment of the park restricted timber harvesting and reoriented the city towards nature conservation, laying the foundation for eco-tourism.
• Opening of the Cerro Chapelco Ski Complex (1978)
  The launch of the ski lifts transformed San Martín de los Andes from a summer holiday spot into a year-round resort. This attracted international investment and gave a powerful boost to the development of the hotel business and service sector.
• Introduction of a Strict Architectural Code (1979)
  The municipality adopted a decision obliging developers to use natural wood and stone in facades. This urban planning decision prevented chaotic construction and formed the recognisable "Alpine" style of the city, which is its hallmark today.
• Asphalting the "Road of the Seven Lakes" and Airport Development
  Improvements in transport infrastructure, including the complete paving of the famous route to Villa La Angostura and the modernisation of the Aviador Carlos Campos Airport, finally brought the city out of geographical isolation, ensuring a flow of tourists from Buenos Aires and abroad.
• Gastronomic Revolution (2000s)
  The development of local production of chocolate, smoked delicacies, and artisanal beverages transformed the city into an important cultural and gastronomic centre of Patagonia, adding an attractive culinary brand to its natural beauty.

Architectural Identity and Urban Planning

Unlike old European cities, in San Martín de los Andes you will not find Gothic or Baroque styles. The city's architectural appearance is the result of conscious planning and a striving for harmony with the surrounding nature of Patagonia. The urban environment is characterised by low-rise buildings, extensive use of natural materials, and visual unity.

Development Stages and Architectural Styles

The evolution of the city's construction is clearly divided into three key periods, each leaving its mark on its appearance:

• Pioneer Period (1898 – 1930s): Functionalism and Wood
  The first buildings were constructed from available timber (mainly cypress and lenga beech). These were simple, utilitarian structures with gable roofs to protect against snow. The style can be described as "rustic" or rural, without architectural excesses.
• National Parks Era (1930 – 1970s): The Bustillo Style
  Architect Alejandro Bustillo had a decisive influence on the city. With the creation of the parks administration, the so-called "National Park style" began to form. It is characterised by a combination of a massive stone plinth, log walls, and a tiled or wooden roof. This style became the Argentine interpretation of the European chalet.
• Modern Period (since 1979): Normative Alpine Style
  The entry into force of the municipal code established mandatory requirements for facades. Modern buildings, whether banks, hotels, or shops, are required to use stone and wood in their finishing. This created a unique ensemble that tourists often call an "Alpine village", although technically it is a postmodern stylisation of mountain architecture.

Iconic Buildings and Architectural Landmarks

Despite the city's youth, there are several buildings here that have formed its visual code:

• Lanín National Park Administration (Intendencia del Parque Nacional Lanín): Located opposite the main square, this building constructed in 1946 is the standard of civil architecture in the region. Designed by Alejandro Bustillo, it demonstrates the classic combination of stone and wood.
• San José Parish Church (Parroquia San José): The city's main Catholic temple. Its interior is entirely made of wood, including a magnificent coffered ceiling, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere characteristic of mountain churches.
• Old Hospital (Antiguo Hospital Ramón Carrillo): A building reflecting the transitional period in architecture, preserving its historical appearance and serving as an important part of the cultural heritage of Neuquén Province.

Urban Planning Features

The city's layout represents a classic rectangular grid (chessboard pattern), nestled between the mountains and Lake Lácar. The main axis is Avenue San Martín, along which commercial life is concentrated. An important feature of urban planning is the strict ban on high-rise construction, which preserves the view of the mountain slopes from any point in the centre.

Distinguished Personalities of San Martín de los Andes

The history of the city is not just dates and buildings, but also the people whose efforts, talent, and vision turned a remote military post into a jewel of Patagonia. Listed below are key figures who left an indelible mark on the region's development.

• Rudecindo Roca
  Role: Colonel, City Founder.
  Brother of President Julio Argentino Roca. On 4 February 1898, he officially founded San Martín de los Andes, fulfilling the strategic task of securing Argentine sovereignty in the Andes. His decision to choose the Chapelco Valley determined the geographical destiny of the settlement.
• Alejandro Bustillo
  Role: Architect, Urban Planner.
  Although he worked throughout the country, his influence on the appearance of San Martín de los Andes is fundamental. Bustillo designed the Lanín National Park Administration building and laid the foundations of the "park style" (a combination of stone and wood), which later became the city's mandatory architectural code.
• Bertha Koessler-Ilg
  Role: Folklorist, Writer, Nurse.
  Known as "The Healer" (La Médica), she emigrated from Germany and dedicated her life to studying the culture of the Mapuche people. Bertha recorded and preserved hundreds of local legends, songs, and traditions, becoming a vital bridge between European settlers and the indigenous population.
• Rodolfo Koessler
  Role: Pioneer Doctor.
  The first qualified doctor in the region, arriving in 1920. Amidst a harsh climate and lack of roads, he provided medical care to residents of a vast territory for decades, becoming a symbol of humanism and dedication in the city's history.
• Luz María Sapag
  Role: Politician, City Mayor (Intendente).
  Elected mayor of the city three times. She played a key role in the modern history of San Martín de los Andes by initiating large-scale infrastructure projects, including the renovation of the airport and the waterfront, which finally secured the city's status as a tourism hub.
• Miguel A. Camino
  Role: Poet and Journalist.
  Lived and created in San Martín de los Andes. His work is deeply connected to the beauty of the local land; it was he who wrote the lyrics to the anthem of Neuquén Province, "Neuquén Trabun Mapu", praising the unity of the land and its people.