San Salvador de Jujuy history

The city of San Salvador de Jujuy, pleasantly situated in a valley at the foothills of the Andes in north-western Argentina, possesses a rich and multi-layered history. Its past is not merely a chronicle of events, but a fascinating narrative of resilience, strategic significance, and cultural synthesis established during the colonial era.

The path to the city's foundation was challenging. It was only on the third attempt, on 19 April 1593, that the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Argañaraz y Murguía was finally able to establish the settlement. Two previous attempts had failed due to fierce resistance from indigenous peoples. The new city, founded at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Xibi Xibi rivers, played a key role in the region from the very beginning.

The strategic importance of San Salvador de Jujuy during the colonial period was driven by several factors:

• Trade Hub: The city was a vital point on the trade route connecting the silver-rich mines of Potosí (in present-day Bolivia) with major centres of the Viceroyalty, such as San Miguel de Tucumán.
• Defensive Outpost: The settlement served as a reliable defence for colonial possessions against raids, and the relocation of the customs house here from Peru in the late 17th century further strengthened its status.
• Agricultural Centre: The fertile valley created ideal conditions for cultivating sugar cane and fruit, and for breeding livestock, particularly mules, which were the primary "labour force" for transporting goods to the mining districts.

The early economy and culture of the city have left a noticeable mark on its modern appearance. The strong influence of the Catholic Church is reflected in the architecture—construction of the cathedral began as early as the 17th century. Today, travellers can admire beautifully preserved examples of colonial buildings that tell the city's story better than any book, serving as a reminder of its role as the "Silver Gate" of the Andes.

Key Milestones in the City's History

The history of San Salvador de Jujuy is a kaleidoscope of vivid events, desperate struggles, and cultural development. Founded at the foot of the Andes, the city has witnessed key moments in the formation of Argentina. Here is a brief chronology of its past:

• 1593 — After two failed attempts, Spanish conquistador Francisco de Argañaraz y Murguía finally founds the city of San Salvador de Velazco in the Jujuy Valley.
• Late 17th Century — The customs house is moved to the city from Peru, significantly strengthening its economic and strategic importance as a crucial point on the trade route to the silver mines of Potosí.
• 1776 — With the creation of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, Jujuy and the surrounding territories come under the jurisdiction of Buenos Aires.
• 23 August 1812 — The famous "Jujuy Exodus" (Éxodo Jujeño) takes place, when General Manuel Belgrano orders the entire population to leave the city and destroy anything of value so that it does not fall into the hands of the advancing royalists.
• 1813 — After victory in the Battle of Salta, patriot troops under Belgrano's command return to Jujuy.
• 1834 — Jujuy declares its autonomy from the province of Salta and becomes an independent province, with San Salvador de Jujuy as its capital.
• 1863 — A severe earthquake causes significant damage to the city, after which its reconstruction begins.
• Late 19th Century — With the arrival of immigrants from Europe and the Middle East, sugar cane cultivation develops actively in the region, giving a new impetus to the economy.
• Early 20th Century — The railway reaches the city, connecting it with the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, and with Bolivia, contributing to further growth and development.
• 1945 — The first major metallurgical plant in the region is founded, marking the beginning of the province's industrialisation.
• 2003 — The Quebrada de Humahuaca gorge, located north of the city, is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dramatically increasing the tourist appeal of the entire region.

Stages of Growth and Transformation

The development of San Salvador de Jujuy is the story of how a city at the crossroads of trade routes transformed into an important administrative, economic, and tourism centre of northern Argentina. Key transformations have shaped its modern appearance and character.

• Provincial Capital Status (1834): Upon gaining autonomy from Salta, Jujuy became an independent province, and San Salvador de Jujuy became its capital. This event laid the foundation for the formation of its own government bodies and administrative structure, strengthening its regional significance.
• Post-Earthquake Recovery (1863): A powerful earthquake caused serious damage to the city. The subsequent reconstruction not only restored what was destroyed but also provided an impetus to rethink urban planning and construction, which influenced its future architectural appearance.
• Economic Boom of the Late 19th Century: The arrival of immigrants from Europe and the Middle East coincided with the rapid development of agriculture, particularly sugar cane cultivation. This diversified the economy, which had previously been oriented mainly towards trade and supplying mining centres.
• Railway Construction (Early 20th Century): The establishment of a railway connection with the national capital, Buenos Aires, and neighbouring Bolivia was a true breakthrough. It significantly simplified logistics, stimulated trade, and contributed to the start of the region's industrial development.
• Industrialisation (Mid-20th Century): The founding of the region's first major metallurgical plant in 1945 marked the transition to an industrial economy. This created new jobs and attracted population from rural areas to the city.
• Tourism Boom (Early 21st Century): The recognition of the Quebrada de Humahuaca gorge, located north of the city, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 radically changed the economic landscape. San Salvador de Jujuy became the main "gateway" for thousands of tourists, leading to the rapid development of hotel, restaurant, and transport infrastructure.

The architectural appearance of San Salvador de Jujuy represents a living chronicle of its history, where the colonial past blends harmoniously with 19th-century European influence and modern structures. Urban development reflects the key stages of its formation: from a Spanish outpost to an important administrative centre.

Colonial Heritage (17th-18th Centuries)

The basis of the historic centre's urban structure is the rectangular street grid typical of Spanish colonies, centred around the main square. The architecture of this period is characterised by simple forms, the use of local materials such as adobe (unburnt brick), and elements of Spanish Baroque.

• Cathedral Basilica of San Salvador: This is one of the most significant monuments of the colonial era, built in the 18th century. Its appearance reflects features of the Spanish colonial style. Inside the cathedral is a true masterpiece—a pulpit carved from wood in the mid-17th century and covered in gold leaf. This element is considered one of the most important examples of colonial Baroque in Argentina, showing the influence of the the Cusco school of Peru.

Era of Eclecticism and European Influence (19th – Early 20th Century)

After Argentina gained independence and the city became the provincial capital, its architecture began to change under the influence of European styles. Academism and eclecticism, which blends different directions, became particularly popular.

• Government House (Casa de Gobierno): This monumental building, completed in 1921, is a brilliant representative of French Academism (Beaux-Arts style). Its symmetrical façade, mansard roof, and classical décor were designed to emphasise the city's new status as a capital and to distinguish the building from the old colonial structures.
• Basilica of San Francisco: Although its history begins in the 17th century, it acquired its current eclectic appearance after reconstruction in 1927.

Modern Development

In the 20th century, particularly with the growth of the economy and population, the city began to actively expand beyond its historical core, predominantly in the southern and south-eastern directions. Districts with more modern buildings appeared, yet the historic centre still retains its charm, where buildings of different eras stand side by side, telling the story of San Salvador de Jujuy.

Prominent Figures in the City's History

San Salvador de Jujuy and its surroundings have been the birthplace or an important site of activity for many iconic figures in the history, politics, and culture of Argentina. These individuals left a deep imprint on the development of not only the region but the entire country.

Historical and Political Figures

• Francisco de Argañaraz y Murguía (1563–1602) — Spanish conquistador and founder of the city. It was he who, on 19 April 1593, after two failed attempts by his predecessors, founded the city of San Salvador de Jujuy, which became a key outpost and trade hub on the route to the mines of Potosí.
• Manuel Belgrano (1770–1820) — National hero of Argentina, general, and politician. Although not a native of the city, his name is inextricably linked with Jujuy. In 1812, as commander of the Army of the North, he led the famous "Jujuy Exodus" (Éxodo Jujeño)—a strategic retreat during which the entire population left the city, taking everything of value with them so that nothing would fall to the advancing royalists. This act of self-sacrifice became one of the most patriotic moments in the war for independence.
• Teodoro Sánchez de Bustamante (1778–1851) — Lawyer and politician born in Jujuy. He was a key figure of his time, a deputy for Jujuy at the Congress of Tucumán, and one of those who signed the Argentine Declaration of Independence in 1816. Subsequently, he actively advocated for the autonomy of the province of Jujuy.
• Macedonio Graz (1826–1873) — A prominent intellectual, politician, and lawyer from San Salvador de Jujuy. He went down in history as the founder of the first printing press in the province and editor of the first newspaper "El Orden" (The Order) in 1856. Graz also served as the province's first federal judge and made a huge contribution to the development of education and culture.

Cultural and Sports Figures

• Jorge Cafrune (1937–1978) — One of Argentina's most popular folk singers, born in the province of Jujuy. His powerful voice and commitment to folk music made him a symbol of the culture of north-western Argentina. Cafrune was not just a performer but also a researcher of folklore, introducing the musical traditions of his region to the entire country and the world.
• José Daniel Valencia (born 1955) — Famous Argentine footballer born in San Salvador de Jujuy. Playing as an attacking midfielder, he became a world champion with the Argentine national team at the 1978 World Cup held in his home country, serving as one of the team's key players.