After a devastating earthquake in 1861, Mendoza was rebuilt on a new plan with wide streets, low buildings and a scheme of five plazas, and that layout is what makes the centre so pleasant today. Plaza Independencia sits in the middle, around 1,600 square metres according to a local guide, with a central fountain of dancing water and two main axes leading out, the pedestrian Sarmiento street and Avenida Mitre. Craftspeople sell their goods at weekends and street performers add life, while beneath the plaza lie the municipal theatre and the Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno. Four blocks away, Plaza España has Spanish-style tiled decoration and a fountain that recalls Iberian courtyards. Plaza Chile honours the neighbour that helped after the earthquake, Plaza Italia celebrates the Italian community, and Plaza San Martín has a replica equestrian statue of the general.
The design logic: the five plazas are symmetrical and roughly equidistant, and they are watered by the same acequias that irrigate the city's trees, so even in the hottest months they stay green. Walking from one to another takes you through shaded streets lined with plane trees, past cafés, wine bars and small museums. Plaza España is the most photogenic for its glazed tiles, scenes from Spanish and Argentine history, and its gently curved benches, while Plaza Italia is known for its sculpture of the Roman She-Wolf and its majolica friezes.
Making a visit: start at Plaza Independencia, where there is a tourist information centre, then walk the pedestrian Sarmiento street, stop for coffee and continue to Plaza España, then loop through Plaza Chile and Plaza Italia. The route is flat and easy, and takes an hour or two at a leisurely pace. Weekends bring craft markets and music, and the evenings are the time when locals gather. The city tourism office also offers free walking tours, a city bus with audio guides and a San Martín passport, so check its site for options and the current agenda.
Practical points: shade is plentiful but the midday sun is strong in summer, so plan walks for morning or evening and carry water. Cafés and bars around the plazas are a good place to rest and try a coffee or a glass of wine. Keep an eye on bags in busy squares, as in any city centre. Many shops close for a midday break, so plan lunch accordingly, and note that the city centre feels calm on Sunday mornings.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through five symmetrical plazas, with fountains, tiles, craft stalls and cafés, on flat shaded streets.
Best time
Morning or early evening, when it is cooler; weekends bring craft stalls and street performers.
How long
One to two hours at an easy pace, longer with coffee stops.
Tips
Carry water, plan for shade in summer and use the tourist information centre on Plaza Independencia for maps.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want a free, relaxed introduction to the city.
- Families
- Open space, fountains and weekend entertainers keep children happy, and the paths are flat for strollers.
- Couples
- Evening strolls, a tiled bench at Plaza España and a glass of wine at a nearby café.
- Pair with
- Parque General San Martín, the Cerro de la Gloria and dinner in the city centre.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Why does Mendoza have five plazas?+
The city was rebuilt after the 1861 earthquake on a plan with a central plaza and four corner plazas. The scheme gave it wide streets and open space, which also reduce risk in earthquakes.
Which plaza is the prettiest?+
Many visitors pick Plaza España for its tiles and fountain, while Plaza Independencia is the liveliest, with weekend crafts and performers.
Is there something on at the weekend?+
Craftspeople sell their goods at Plaza Independencia on weekends, and there are often street performances. Check the city tourism agenda for events.
Can I take a guided tour?+
The city tourism office lists free walking tours, a city bus with audio guides and a San Martín passport. Check its site for current schedules.
How long does the plaza walk take?+
About one to two hours for all five plazas at an easy pace. Add time for coffee, shops and the museum under Plaza Independencia.
