La Techada
The first covered street in Ibero-America (1964). A 100-meter artisan walkway in the heart of Capilla.
La Calle Techada, on Diagonal Buenos Aires in Capilla del Monte, is the city's most emblematic commercial and pedestrian walkway and an icon of the Valle de Punilla. Also known as Paseo de los Artesanos, it is covered by a metal structure that protects from sun and rain along about 100 meters, between Deán Funes and 25 de Mayo streets. It is recognized as the first covered street in South America, an urban rarity that was born in 1964 and became permanent. Today it hosts bars, restaurants, cafés, craft shops and regional products, and often comes alive with artists, fairs and exhibitions. Walking it is a must-do for anyone visiting Capilla del Monte, both by day and at night when it is illuminated.
What makes this place unique
- First covered street in South America, with more than 60 years of history
- Original 1964 metal structure covering about 100 meters of Diagonal Buenos Aires
- Shops selling crafts and regional products (Paseo de los Artesanos)
- Bars, cafés, and restaurants to take a break sheltered from the weather
- Night lighting that turns it into a different experience at dusk
A bit of history
The Calle Techada came about in 1964 from Fotocita, a photography and film exhibition and competition organized by a group of amateurs from Capilla del Monte. Since the town did not have an enclosed space large enough to host the event, it was decided to cover a stretch of Diagonal Buenos Aires, between Deán Funes and 25 de Mayo, with a metal shed that originally belonged to YPF and was no longer in use. The structure was assembled in a few weeks to house the exhibition. Once Fotocita was over, the roof was never dismantled: it remained standing and became part of the town's identity. In the following years it served as the venue for other exhibitions such as Imagen 65 and Imagen 67, as well as carnival dances, New Year's celebrations, and folk gatherings. Over time it became a meeting point and commercial hub. Between the late nineties and the 2000s, the municipality remodeled it, adding style columns, new lighting, and historical photographs. In 2024 it turned 60 years old, celebrated with exhibitions and activities.
URI's tips
Visit it both by day and at night, when the lighting gives it a different atmosphere. Take advantage of the covered bars if the sun is strong or it rains. Check the local calendar: there are often fairs, live music, and exhibitions, especially in high season. Bring some cash, since not all craft stalls accept cards.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, cash for crafts and purchases, and a camera or phone for photos. In summer, water and hydration
This is what La Techada looks like
How to get to La Techada
Right in the center, a few minutes' walk from the square and the bus terminal.
It is in the very center of Capilla del Monte, on Diagonal Buenos Aires, between Deán Funes and 25 de Mayo streets. You can walk from any central point; it is very close to the bus terminal and the main square.
What everyone asks
Why was the street covered?
In 1964, a section of Diagonal Buenos Aires was covered with a metal shed to host the Fotocita, a photography and film exhibition, since there was no sufficiently large enclosed space. After the event, the roof remained and became permanent.
Is it really the first covered street in South America?
Yes, according to the Secretaría de Turismo de Córdoba and various sources, the Diagonal Buenos Aires of Capilla del Monte is recognized as the first and only covered street of its kind in South America.
How much does it cost to visit it?
Walking along La Calle Techada is free and open to everyone. You only pay if you buy crafts or eat and drink at its bars and restaurants.
