Visit the Salesian Mission
The Salesian Mission Our Lady of Candelaria, is a must on your visit to Río Grande. Its past is linked to the European settlement of the area, and to the contact with the Selk'nam ethnic group, who were the original residents of the area. Today
The foundation of the Salesian Mission dates back to 1893, when Monsignor Fagnano and Father Beauvoir set up the first settlement in order to evangelize the natives and shelter them in their facilities, since they were victims of clashes between cattle ranchers and gold diggers.
The place where it is currently located, near Cape Domingo, belongs to the third settlement, and there are still historic buildings such as the chapel dating from 1898, the mission house where the native dorms were located, the workshop of the Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, where the native women were taught to perform labor, and the Historic Cemetery, near the sea.
These facilities have been declared a National Historic Monument, and can be visited in the company of a local guide, or at certain times of the year, on tours organized by the Municipality of Río Grande.
Historical and Natural Science Museum
Inside the Salesian Mission is the Monseñor Fagnano Historical and Natural Science Museum, where you can see a replica of the shacks used by the Selk'nam, old farming machinery, carts and drays.
There is a science exhibit inside the museum that includes a variety of embalmed species, among which are the magnificent condor, eagles, ducks, owls and an American mink. Another sector of the museum is dedicated to History and Anthropology. In here, you can find objects belonging to the natives, such as arrowheads, utensils and tools. Typewriters, radios, old cameras and personal objects of the members of the Mission are also exhibited, offering the visitor a real journey into the past of this mystical place.
Agricultural Technology School
Since 1946, the Mission has been operating as an Agricultural Technology School (ATS), where students learn not only the basics of high school, but also carpentry, mechanics, dairy, bakery, greenhouses, animal management and general tasks.
They also produce different products such as jams, cheese and meat, which are locally distributed. For more information on local products made by ATS click here.
Visit the Salesian Mission
The Salesian Mission Our Lady of Candelaria, is a must on your visit to Río Grande. Its past is linked to the European settlement of the area, and to the contact with the Selk'nam ethnic group, who were the original residents of the area. Today
The foundation of the Salesian Mission dates back to 1893, when Monsignor Fagnano and Father Beauvoir set up the first settlement in order to evangelize the natives and shelter them in their facilities, since they were victims of clashes between cattle ranchers and gold diggers.
The place where it is currently located, near Cape Domingo, belongs to the third settlement, and there are still historic buildings such as the chapel dating from 1898, the mission house where the native dorms were located, the workshop of the Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, where the native women were taught to perform labor, and the Historic Cemetery, near the sea.
These facilities have been declared a National Historic Monument, and can be visited in the company of a local guide, or at certain times of the year, on tours organized by the Municipality of Río Grande.
Historical and Natural Science Museum
Inside the Salesian Mission is the Monseñor Fagnano Historical and Natural Science Museum, where you can see a replica of the shacks used by the Selk'nam, old farming machinery, carts and drays.
There is a science exhibit inside the museum that includes a variety of embalmed species, among which are the magnificent condor, eagles, ducks, owls and an American mink. Another sector of the museum is dedicated to History and Anthropology. In here, you can find objects belonging to the natives, such as arrowheads, utensils and tools. Typewriters, radios, old cameras and personal objects of the members of the Mission are also exhibited, offering the visitor a real journey into the past of this mystical place.
Agricultural Technology School
Since 1946, the Mission has been operating as an Agricultural Technology School (ATS), where students learn not only the basics of high school, but also carpentry, mechanics, dairy, bakery, greenhouses, animal management and general tasks.
They also produce different products such as jams, cheese and meat, which are locally distributed. For more information on local products made by ATS click here.
