 The city of Salta was founded in 1582 and it still bears
a distinct Hispanic character that sets it apart from
other cities in the country. The skyline is drawn bycolonial houses, narrow streets and pavements, and the brownish green of the surrounding hills. This cordial and hospitable city feels proud of its historic heritage and it offers tourists a wide range of cultural events and entertainment. When sightseeing around the city, you must visit the main square (Plaza 9 de Julio), the Cathedral and the old city hal (the Cabildo). Nearby you will find the San Francisco Church and the San Bernardo Convent, with a carved door that dates to the year 1762. Other places of interest are the Uriburu Museum, the Hernández and the Arias Rengel houses and the Güemes and 20 de Febrero Monuments. Tourists can walk down the streets around the main square, take in the fresh air and have a drink in one of the cafes. The cobbled streets are a tribute to older times when this area of town was the centre of its political, economical and social life. You can also take the cable car and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from San Bernardo hill, and then buy crafts at the Mercado Artesanal, an old ranch turned into a shopping area.  An active and lively cultural lifeThe special history of Salta encouraged the developing of a rich cultural life, inspired also by the beauty and diversity of the nature Salta has an active cultural life. Its cinemas, theatres and “peñas” offer a wide variety of shows and performances. Many of these events take place at Casa de la Cultura, Caseros 460. This art centre also houses Salta’s Symphonic Orchestra, which has gained international acclaim and which offers weekly performances. There are interesting museums to visit: The Contemporary Art Museum that was opened earlier last year and exhibits works from local artists, or Museums such us the Cabildo, Uriburu Museum, the Hernández and the Arias Rengel houses that keeps alive historic ways of life, and historic monuments like Güemes and 20 de Febrero Monuments that commemorate heroes and facts of the independence war. Religious TourismSalta is cradle of faith. The Cathedral is also the Sanctuary for the Señor and Virgen del Milagro, patrons of Salta, whose procession is celebrated every September 15. The night lifeNightlife in Salta is lively, varied and safe. Salteños and tourists alike meet in peñas, pubs, cafes, casinos and discos. Most of this activity is concentrated in the area around the train station, known as “La Balcarce”. At the weekends there is a crafts street market where tourists can buy different traditional handmade products. Music, gastronomy and shoppingsSalta is famous for its folk music and many renowned artists were born here and sing its praises in typical “zambas” and “chacareras”. Salteñan cuisine is varied and multi-coloured. Visitors can taste traditional “empanadas”, “locro” and “humitas”, as well as enjoy modern dishes made with local products such as corn, llama meat, quinoa, trout and pejerrey. The wines from the Calchaqui Valleys are also smooth the visitors’ palate. The city is the exhibition centre of the whole handicrafts production of the Province. The Mercado Artesanal, an old ranch turned into a shopping area, worth a visit for those who wish to buy and see crafts done by local hands. Also the shops near the main square or the ones in the crafts street market in Calle Balcarce offer assorted options and objects. |
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