Independence House in Tucuman

Snow White walls with a bright blue door. That is a National Architectural Monument in the Argentine city of San Miguel de Tucuman. Casa de Tucuman, the house in the colonial style, has another name - Independence House.

More than a century ago, on July 9, 1816, a significant event took place here. The Declaration of Argentina’s Independence was firstly read by the delegates of the United Provinces of Rio de la Plata at the Congress.

Who could imagine that this house would have such an extraordinary history! In 1760, it was built by the merchant Diego Bazan-y-Figueroa for his beloved daughter Francisca and the Spaniard Miguel Laguna as a wedding gift. This present from a loving father became a symbol of love and harmony. It was a magnificent estate with several courtyards, and every one of them had a purpose. 

During the May Revolution, the house was the property of the first owner’s descendants. Later, it was rented by the revolutionary government. So, it got under state control. First, there were barracks for officers. Later, sessions of the Tucuman Congress were held here. That time, Argentina was declared as an independent state. It happened on July 9, 1816.

Tucuman's house had a lot of ups and downs, happiness and complete devastation. In 1941, Tucuman House was declared a national historical monument. Now, Casa de Tucuman is a museum. Every year, it traditionally celebrates the anniversary of the Independence Declaration.

The museum has nine exhibition halls with historical costumes, antique furniture, maps, and documents. Art Gallery presents portraits of the Congress members. But the main treasure of Casa de Tucuman is a manuscript copy of the Independence Declaration.