Centro Cívico
An alpine-style complex of stone and timber buildings and a lakeside plaza, the emblem of the city of Bariloche, right beside Chocolate Avenue.
Centro Cívico was built in 1940, designed by architect Ernesto de Estrada, and draws its inspiration from Alpine mountain towns. Buildings of grey-green volcanic stone and cypress wood enclose a plaza facing Lake Nahuel Huapi, and the bell tower, arcades and steep roofs make you feel as if you were in Switzerland. The complex houses the city hall, a library and the Museo de la Patagonia, which showcases Indigenous cultures such as the Mapuche and the history of the 'Conquest of the Desert'. Visitors often pose for photos with St. Bernard dogs on the plaza (for a fee), and the mountains across the lake are visible from here. Mitre Street (Calle Mitre) runs east from the Centro Cívico and is known as 'Chocolate Avenue', where Rapa Nui, Mamuschka, Del Turista and other famous chocolate shops line up one after another, their storefronts decorated like fairy-tale castles. Consider buying some chocolate en rama (chocolate branches) or ice cream. The nearby San Carlos de Bariloche Cathedral is also worth a visit. The plaza is open all day, and the sunset over the lake in the evening is beautiful.
Opening hours
Open all day (museum approx. Tue–Sat)
Nearby sights
- Calle Mitre (Chocolate Street)
- Museo de la Patagonia Francisco P. Moreno
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi
- Nahuel Huapi Lake
- Cerro Otto
- Playa Bonita
- Lake Gutiérrez
- Cerro Catedral