Discover Villa Aberastain

In Villa Aberastain, the administrative centre of Pocito, an unusual landmark is linked to the town’s history: on Plaza Libertad stands an identical replica of the Statue of Liberty, which stands south of Manhattan Island. For travellers who want to discover cultural points of interest while on holiday, it makes a striking starting point. The monument’s history can be told through two clear milestones: its purchase and its later installation.

The replica of the Statue of Liberty on Plaza Libertad

The government of San Juan Province bought the replica in 1910. It was installed on 9 July 1931 on what is now Plaza Libertad. More than two decades separate its purchase from its installation; the two dates mark different moments in the monument’s history. For families, its familiar form can be a conversation starter: the Statue of Liberty is instantly recognisable, while its story is rooted in Villa Aberastain. This puts the focus not just on the landmark itself, but also on when it became part of the town’s history.

The plaza and cultural points of interest

Plaza Libertad is considered a tourist attraction in Villa Aberastain. The Directorate of Culture is located in the cultural building opposite Plaza La Libertad. These are two specific cultural points of interest: the statue in the square and the Directorate of Culture in a building opposite. If you are choosing a destination based on whether it offers cultural points of interest as well as a striking landmark, this part of Villa Aberastain is worth considering.

Minibus and bus stops

For visits to local businesses, a municipal minibus departs daily from Casa de Turismo y Cultura from 10 a.m. It is located opposite Plaza de la Libertad. The minibus service is free; however, separate charges may apply for tastings, lunch or other activities offered at the businesses visited. The ride and activities should therefore be considered as separate costs: a free ride does not mean that a tasting or lunch is also free. For families planning an outing together, this distinction can help them decide which of the activities on offer are suitable for them. Two accessible bus stops have also been installed on Plaza de la Libertad. These stops are another feature of the town centre, alongside the cultural points of interest around the plaza.

The parish of Santa Bárbara

The parish of Santa Bárbara tells another part of the town’s history. It dates back to a chapel built in 1889. Construction of the permanent church building began in 1971; it was inaugurated after the 1977 earthquake. This timeline distinguishes the earlier chapel from the later church construction and its inauguration. For travellers interested in religious sites and their history, Santa Bárbara is another cultural point of interest in Villa Aberastain. Unlike the replica of the Statue of Liberty, the focus here is not a single landmark, but the history of a parish and its church building.

The traditional Fiesta de Santa Bárbara is also part of the town’s religious and cultural life. The 2025 edition was scheduled to take place from 4 to 7 December in the heart of Villa Aberastain. This date adds a specific 2025 celebration to the parish’s history.

For a broader travel overview: Pocito.