Welsh Heritage

OVERVIEW

Discover the remarkably strong Welsh influence in this part of Patagonia, which dates to 1865 when the first Welsh settlers arrived on the tea-clipper Mimosa. They emigrated to escape persecution and to retain their cultural identity as the Industrial Revolution fueled rapid growth in Wales. Once the Welsh arrived in Argentina, they fiercely preserved their heritage, which is still evident today in towns such as Dolavon. You will see the flour mill that the Welsh built there in 1881 to grind the wheat that flourished in the surrounding fields. Irrigation canals powered the mill’s water wheel as this area was naturally arid. You will learn more about the Welsh influence by browsing a museum and visiting a Welsh chapel built more than a century ago. Patagonian Welsh is still widely spoken in Gaiman, where you will be served a traditional Welsh tea complete with cakes and pastries. In this tour, the Dolavon Flour Mill, Bethel Chapel and the Gaiman Regional Museum are visited. Also on this tour guests visit Quinta Narlu, where they are dedicated to the production of fine fruits, processing of sweets and artisanal liquors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the Welsh influence that is still evident in two towns that they founded.
• Visit the area’s first flour mill, which the Welsh built in 1881 to grind wheat.
• Browse the enlightening exhibits in a Welsh museum and visit a typical Welsh chapel.
• Enjoy tea and tasty pastries at a Welsh tea house in the town of Gaiman.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.