Just one kilometre northeast of Plaza Independencia is the Museo del Area Fundacional on the Plaza Mayor, where the original city centre stood before it was completely destroyed in the 1861 earthquake. This large modern building was constructed over part of the excavated foundations of the old city, including the Cabildo (town hall) which you can see through the glass floor. Also on display is a range of objects retrieved from the rubble after the quake. The museum also recounts the city’s history and development before disaster struck. Open Tues-Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 3pm-8pm. Tel: +54 (0) 261 425 6027.