Explore the Map
Nombre de Jesús (Patagonia)
-52.3325° N, -68.4028° E
About
Nombre de Jesús was a Spanish town in Patagonia, settled in 1584 by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa in the Magellan Strait. Nombre de Jesús also refers to the archaeological site located in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, where the remains of this settlement were found. This was the first European settlement in the Magellan Strait.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
First approach to the Strait of Magellan
1 February 1583
Second landing attempt
4 February 1584
Santa Catalina sail
7 January 1583
Founding of Nombre de Jesús
11 February 1584
Arrival at Rio de Janeiro
24 March 1582
Fleet departs Spain
25 September 1581
Gamboa driven to sea and departure for help
26 May 1584
Philip II commissions expedition
1581
Thomas Cavendish visit
1587
Archaeological discovery of Nombre de Jesús
2003
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Defensive Structures
Military Installations
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
More Sites in Argentina

Floridablanca (Patagonia)
Late 18th-century Spanish colonial settlement.
Pucará de Tilcara
Pre-Inca fortified town (pukara), Tilcara, Argentina
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil)
<p>The ruins of São Miguel das Missões in Brazil, and those of San Ignacio Miní, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa María la Mayor in Argentina,…

Ruins of Quilmes
Largest pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
<p>This site is an extensive Inca communication, trade and defence network of roads covering 30,000 km. Constructed by the Incas over several centuries and…
Gruta del Indio
Rock shelter with human and mega-fauna remains