The vaults were built using the traditional 'quincha' and adobe techniques common in 19th-century Cuyo architecture.
General San Martín personally managed the irrigation systems on this property to cultivate vines and grain.
The property served as a strategic meeting point for planning the logistics required to supply the Army of the Andes.
The museum grounds include a park area that serves as a living testimony to the agro-historical transformation of the Mendoza desert.
The term 'Las Bóvedas' refers to the unique, curved structural design of the storage rooms which helped maintain a stable internal temperature.
The Museo Las Bóvedas, or Historical Museum Vaults, is located in the former residence of General José de San Martín in San Martín, Mendoza. The site consists of reconstructed vaulted adobe structures that served as storage facilities for the general's agricultural estate, known as the 'Chacra de los Barriales'. These subterranean or semi-subterranean vaults were designed to protect perishable goods from the arid climate. The museum grounds house a collection of artifacts related to the Independence movement and the local history of the Cuyo region. It serves as a commemorative site for San Martín’s life as a farmer and leader during the preparation for the Crossing of the Andes. The museum maintains exhibits showcasing 19th-century rural life and agricultural implements. It is situated within the San Martín department, highlighting its significance in the military logistics of the Army of the Andes.
The exterior perspective of the adobe vaulted rooflines against the backdrop of the park.
Walk the outdoor park area to understand the layout of the original 19th-century estate.
Focus on the interpretive plaques that explain the specific agricultural methods used by San Martín.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby city center of San Martín to see other regional monuments.
Do not attempt to walk on the roofs of the vaults, as the preserved adobe structures are fragile.
Closed on Mondays.
