Parana.(Mesopotamia: Entre Rios)

Population: 212 000

Postal code: 3100

[telephone] area code: (0343)

Altitude: 64 m

Distance from Buenos Aires: 580 km north-west on RN 12

Parana is the capital of Entre Rios Province, and is located on a hill which overlooks a stretch of the Rio Parana dotted with small islands. A provincial church was established here in 1730, although settlers had come here from Santa Fe as early as 1588. During General Urquiza's presidency from 1853 to 1862 Parana was the capital of the Argentine confederation. Many older buildings now preserved as national monuments date from this time.

The center of town is Plaza 1 de Mayo; most of the city's administrative offices are located near here. The best views are obtained from the Parque Urquiza overlooking the river.