Plaza San Martín
The heart of Capilla. Surrounded by bars, ice cream parlors, and the San Antonio Parish. A must-see meeting point.
Plaza San Martín is the heart of Capilla del Monte and the meeting point for locals and tourists. Located on Avenida Hipólito Yrigoyen, a few blocks from the entrance to town, it offers green spaces, paths, benches, children's playgrounds, and good lighting. It is surrounded by cafés and shops, and is steps away from the famous Diagonal Buenos Aires, the covered pedestrian street. From the square you can enjoy views of Cerro Uritorco, the area's mountain icon. The site features a UFO monument, a nod to the place's mystical and UFO fame. Around the square and its surroundings, artisan fairs are often set up where you can find regional products, stones, incense, and handmade crafts. It's ideal for resting, grabbing a drink, and starting to explore the town on foot.
What makes this place unique
- UFO monument, a nod to Capilla del Monte's UFO fame
- Views of Cerro Uritorco from town
- Artisan fairs with regional products and handmade crafts
- Close to Diagonal Buenos Aires, the country's only covered pedestrian street
- Cafés and shops around, ideal for resting
A bit of history
Plaza San Martín, like in most Argentine towns, is named after the Liberator General José de San Martín and serves as the central civic space of Capilla del Monte. Just a few meters away is Diagonal Buenos Aires, built in 1964 for Fotocita, an international photography and audiovisual exhibition; the metal structure covering it was preserved and made it the country's only covered street. Over time, the area around the square became the town's commercial and tourist hub. In recent years, the municipality has undertaken restoration and improvement works on the public space.
URI's tips
Make the most of the square as a starting point to explore the center on foot: just steps away is Diagonal Buenos Aires with its shops, and as evening falls, the artisan fair usually sets up. Bring cash for purchases at the stalls.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen and a hat for the mountain sun, and cash for buying at the artisan fairs.
How to get to Plaza San Martín
0 min (it's the center).
It is the very center of Capilla del Monte, on Avenida Hipólito Yrigoyen, about three blocks from the main entrance to town. You can get there on foot from almost anywhere in the urban area, and it is steps away from the covered pedestrian street Diagonal Buenos Aires.
What everyone asks
Where is Plaza San Martín in Capilla del Monte?
In the very center of town, on Avenida Hipólito Yrigoyen, about three blocks from the main entrance. It is the urban heart of Capilla del Monte.
What can you see and do in the square?
It has green spaces, children's playgrounds, benches, and a UFO monument. It is surrounded by cafés and shops, there are often artisan fairs, and from there you can enjoy views of Cerro Uritorco.
Do you have to pay admission?
No, it's a public space with free open access, open 24 hours.
