Paraná, Entre Ríos Province, Argentina

🇦🇷 Paraná is the capital city of the Argentine province Entre Ríos, located on the eastern shore of the Paraná River, opposite the city of Santa Fe, capital of the neighbouring Santa Fe Province.

History During the 16th century, inhabitants of the city of Santa Fe settled at the other shore of the Paraná river. The first settlers called it “Baxada del Paraná”. Between 1854 and 1861, it was the capital city of the Argentine Confederation.

Economy Paraná is not only the head of the provincial government, but also an important river port for the transshipment of cereals, cattle, fish, and lumber from the surrounding region. The principal industries installed are the manufacture of cement, furniture, and ceramics.

Cityscape The city centre brings together colonial churches, European styles seen in structures like the 3 de Febrero Theatre or the Government House, the blended architectural styles of the city's Cathedral, and modern towers, such as those found near Parque Urquiza park. The city is connected to the city of Santa Fe on the other side of the Entre Ríos by the Hernandarias Subfluvial Tunnel inaugurated in 1969.

Transport Paraná is served by General Justo José de Urquiza Airport (IATA PRA), at coordinates 31°47′07″S 60°28′09″W, 7.5 km (4.7 miles) from the city, with regular flights to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery). Another option is Sauce Viejo Airport in nearby Santa Fe.

Sport The city is home to the basketball team Atlético Echagüe. As of 2017, it competes in the Liga Nacional de Básquet, Argentina's top professional basketball division. It plays its home games at the Estadio Luis Butta. The main football teams are: Club Atlético Patronato and Club Atlético Paraná.

Paraná was the host to the inaugural U-23 Men's Softball World Cup in 2023.