San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, commonly known as Catamarca, is the capital city of Argentina's Catamarca Province. Located in a valley between the Ambato and Ancasti mountain ranges, the city was founded in 1683 by Fernando de Mendoza y Mate de Luna.
The city's historical center preserves colonial-era architecture, with the Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Valle being one of its most significant landmarks. The local culture reflects a blend of Spanish colonial heritage and indigenous Diaguita traditions, evident in its crafts, particularly in textile production and pottery.
The city serves as an important cultural and administrative center for the region, with various educational institutions and cultural spaces that help preserve and promote local history and traditions.