USHUAIA

The city centre of Ushuaia is located in front of a bay that gives the city its name. Ushuaia in the Yagán language means “bay that looks to the west.” The city was founded in 1884 by the Argentine Naval Prefecture, and its initial influx of civilians occurred in 1902 with the creation of the prison. The city initially grew along San Martín Street and Maipú Street with the labour of the prisoners. Currently, the centre of Ushuaia extends from Yaganes Street, which borders the prison, to Paseo de las Rosas, and from the Port to Magallanes Street. The main streets of the downtown area are San Martín Street, where there are very few family houses left and mostly commercial premises, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The old Don Bosco church is also located here. And Maipú Avenue, where the port, the tourist pier, and the waterfront promenade are located.