Andalgalá

Andalgalá is the capital of the department of Andalgalá in Catamarca Province in northwestern Argentina. The distance to the provincial capital San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca is 248 kilometers.

History

The area around Andalgalá was inhabited by warlike Diaguitas and Calchaquíes which brought considerable resistance against the Spanish conquerors. After two unsuccessful attempts, the conquering Spaniards founded the fort San Pedro de Mercado during the second Calchaquí war on 12 July 1658. Towards the end of the 18th century, the area was divided among Spanish landowners and 1740 the Mayorazgo de los Diaz de la Peña was in Huasán formed. 1952 Andalgalá received city rights.

Economy

The main agricultural products of the area are: olives, peaches, hazelnuts, grapes, quince, cotton, seed potatoes and spices such as cumin and anise. Goats and sheep dominate the livestock sector. The nearby Río Andalgalá allows power generation.

Attractions

• Central Plaza 9 de julio
• Iglesia San Francisco
• Provincial Archaeological Museum
• Casa Cisneros
• Museo Privado Malli
• Estación del ferrocarril
• Mayorazgo de Huasán (4 km north on the Ruta Provincial 47)

Festivals

• Fiesta del Fuerte de Andalgalá (January).