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Miramar, Córdoba facts for kids

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Miramar
Miramar playa.JPG
Country Argentina
Province Córdoba
Department San Justo
Population
 • Total 1,979
Demonym(s) miramareño/a
Time zone UTC−3 (ART)
CPA base
T5143

Miramar is a town in the San Justo Department of Córdoba Province (Argentina). It is known for its beautiful location near Mar Chiquita, a large saltwater lake.

History of Miramar

Miramar was officially started on November 18, 1924. This happened when the Hotel Miramar opened, which was a special place for people to relax and improve their health.

Early Tourism and Spas

From its very beginning, Miramar was famous for its mineral spas. These spas used natural mineral water, which many believed had healing powers. In 1933, a shared taxi service, called a "jitney," began running between Miramar and the capital city, Córdoba. This made it easier for visitors to reach the town.

The Gran Hotel Vienna

In 1936, a businessman named Máximo Palkhe moved to Miramar. He decided to build a fancy hotel right by the shores of Mar Chiquita lake. This hotel, called the Gran Hotel Vienna, opened in 1945. It was named after his wife's hometown. The hotel helped bring even more tourists to Miramar.

Gran Hotel Viena
Ruins of the Gran Hotel Vienna

Miramar's Growth and Challenges

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Miramar became a very popular place for tourism in Argentina. At its busiest, the town had about 110 hotels! By the 1970s, around 4,500 people lived there.

The Floods of Mar Chiquita

However, during the 1970s, the water levels in Mar Chiquita lake started to rise a lot. This was because more water flowed into the lake from rivers like the Dulce, Primero, and Segundo River. This increase in water was partly due to a natural weather pattern and also because many trees had been cut down in the Gran Chaco region to the north.

Town Relocation

Huge floods hit Miramar in 1977 and again in 1986. These floods caused a lot of damage. Because of this, the town had to be moved. In 1992, Miramar was rebuilt about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south, on higher ground. Most of the old buildings that were damaged by the floods were taken down.

Miramar calle
Tourists enjoying Miramar

Miramar Today: A Natural Wonder

After 2004, Argentina's economy started to get better, and tourism in Miramar also began to recover. By 2009, the town had 1,527 hotel rooms available for visitors. A survey by a newspaper called La Voz del Interior even named Miramar the "Top Natural Wonder of Córdoba Province."

Wildlife and Nature

Miramar is also an important place for nature and wildlife. Since 1966, it has been home to a wildlife refuge. This refuge protects many different animals and plants. The town also has the Loma de los Indios Birdwatching Station, where people can watch many kinds of birds. There is also the Miramar Biological Station, which helps study the local environment.

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