Is it true that San Fernando is known as Argentina’s nautical capital? It is. Welcome to Partido de San Fernando in Buenos Aires. San Fernando is more than just a location. It is a vibrant area steeped in history and culture.
San Fernando was founded as San Fernando de la Buena Vista in 1806. The founder was Viceroy Rafael de Sobremonte. He named it in honor of Fernando de Borbón. Fernando was the Prince of Asturias. The formation of the town started in 1802. It began three kilometers from Puerto de Las Conchas. The area was known as Altos de Punta Gorda.
In 1805 a major flood struck Pago de Las Conchas. Padre San Ginés had an idea. He wanted to move residents to Altos de Punta Gorda. The land there was higher. It was safe from the rising river.
Viceroy Sobremonte visited on February 2nd 1806. He launched canal construction. He approved the town’s urban plan. He laid the first stone for a future parish church.
San Fernando became a partido in 1821. Its urban center became a city in 1909. San Fernando is located north of Buenos Aires. It sits 28 km from the city.
San Fernando is divided into two main sections. There is a continental area. There is also an island region. The island area is part of the Paraná Delta.
The continental part borders Tigre and San Isidro. It also borders the Luján River. The island region shares borders with Tigre, Escobar, and Campana. It also touches Entre Ríos province and Uruguay.
San Fernando experiences a climate like that of the Pampas region. This means it’s a humid subtropical climate. It lacks a dry season. The average yearly temperature ranges from 16°C to 19°C.
The area is known for low seismic activity. An earthquake occurred in 1888. It measured about 5.0 on the Richter scale. San Fernando’s economy thrives on nautical activities. Around 40% of Argentina’s nautical businesses are here. These include manufacturers and service providers. The area has many shipyards.
The island zone depends on forestry. Mining for sand and gravel is also important. Commerce accounts for over half of the area’s production. Service companies make up a third. Industry contributes the rest.
San Fernando boasts several historic and tourist sites. These include the Nuestra Señora de Aránzazu church. There is also the Municipal Palace. Other points of interest are the Quinta El Ombú. Finally explore the Biblioteca y Museo Popular Juan N. Madero.
The islands of San Fernando offer a unique attraction. In 2000 UNESCO declared the area a Biosphere Reserve. This designation promotes sustainable growth projects.
The reserve focuses on three interlinked zones. There is a core area with strict protection. Then there is a buffer zone for research. Finally there is a transition zone for agriculture.
San Fernando is traversed by three Mitre railway lines. The Tren de la Costa also passes through. The Acceso Norte de la Panamericana is a major access route.
San Fernando was named Argentina’s Nautical Capital in 1972. It is closely linked to sports like sailing, rowing and swimming. Football, rugby, basketball and tennis are also popular.
As our tour ends remember San Fernando. It is a place of nautical tradition. It is a place of ecological importance. It is a place of rich history. From its foundation to its modern achievements, San Fernando offers a captivating story.