Oberá

Oberá
City

Monument built for the city's 50th anniversary

Flag

Coat of arms
Oberá

Location of Oberá in Argentina

Coordinates: 27°29′S 55°8′W / 27.483°S 55.133°WCoordinates: 27°29′S 55°8′W / 27.483°S 55.133°W
Country Argentina
Province Misiones
Department Oberá
Government
  Mayor Ewaldo Rindfleich
Area
  Total 155 km2 (60 sq mi)
Elevation 298 m (978 ft)
Population (2012)
  Total 61,672
  Density 400/km2 (1,000/sq mi)
Time zone ART (UTC-3)
CPA base N3360
Dialing code +54 3755
Website Official website

Oberá is a city in the interfluvial province of Misiones, Argentina, and the head town of the Oberá Department. 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 66,000 inhabitants according to the 2010 census [INDEC].

Overview

Sarmiento Avenue.

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 hilly areas. Oberá is also the educational and cultural capital of the central region of the province, with availability of universities and colleges (such as the National University of Misiones). Its economy is based on agriculture and industry.

The local culture is marked by European influences, since the area was settled by numerous colonies of immigrants, starting in 1897. The first community that settled in the site of today's Oberá (then known as Villa Svea) arrived in 1909 and was composed of Swedes. French, Norwegians, Finns, Russians, Germans, English, Lebanese and Danes joined them, before and after World War I.

Oberá was officially founded on 9 July 1928. Its name was taken from a renowned aboriginal chief, and it means "bright, shining". 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 the Immigrant's Festival.

Oberá is also known as the "City of the Churches", since it features more than 30 churches, belonging to a diversity of denominations (including Eastern and Western Catholic rites, Eastern Orthodox, and several Evangelical/Protestant churches). On June 13, 2009, Oberá was made the see of the newly erected Roman Catholic Diocese of Oberá. The latter was created with territory carved out from the Diocese of Posadas.

Tourist attractions

In addition to the many churches, other tourist sites include:

Other attractions include visits to small farms and plantations, including those of yerba mate and tea, the major products of Misiones.

Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua (Roman Catholic)
Picture of the Russian House, in the Park of the Nations

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Oberá.

References