Oberá

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Cities and towns
in Argentina

Oberá

Province	Misiones
Department	Oberá
Location	27°29′ S 55°8′ W
Population	55,493
Phone code	+54 3755
CPA base	N3360

Oberá is a city in the Mesopotamic province of Misiones, Argentina, and the head town of the Oberá Deparment. It is located 96 km east of the provincial capital Posadas, on National Route 14, and about 1,150 km north of Buenos Aires. It has about 55,000 inhabitants according to the 2001 census [INDEC]. It is known as Capital del Monte ("Capital of the Forest").

Oberá is the second city in size and importance of the province, and the core of the Sierras Centrales region. The area is a colorful landscape, with luxurious vegetation, streams, cascades and mountainous areas. Oberá is also the educational and cultural capital of the central region of the province, with availability of university and tertiary careers. Its economy is based on agriculture and industry.

The local culture is marked by both native and European influences, since its area was settled by numerous colonies of immigrants, who founded Oberá the 9th July 1928. More than 15 national/ethnic communities of people descended from immigrants coexist, keeping their legacy and traditions. In the first fortnight of September every year they celebrate this diversity with an Immigrant's Festival.

Oberá is also known as the City of the Churches, since it features more than 30 temples (for less than 60,000 inhabitants).

[edit] Tourist attractions

San Antonio Church, in downtown of Oberá

Picture of the Russian House, in the Park of the Nations

In addition to the many churches, some of the places chosen by tourism in Oberá are:

Jardín de los Pájaros (Birds Garden), showcasing more than 200 species of birds.
Monteaventura, a recreational estate with ecological footpaths and games.
Berrondo Waterfall, a forest area with camping facilities.
Reserva del Chachí, a nature reserve near the city, featuring chachís (giant ferns).
Centro Zootoxicológico, with a diversity of reptiles, including one of the largest serpentaries in the country.
Oberá Park, a summer recration center.
Parque de las Naciones (Park of the Nations), devoted to the typical houses of the immigrant communities.
Historic and Natural Sciences Museum
Casa de la Cultura' (Culture House), with exhibitions of diverse artists.