Castillo San Francisco, Historical mansion in Rauch, Argentina

The Castillo San Francisco is a rural estate house near Egaña Station in Rauch, built by Eugenio Díaz Vélez between 1918 and 1930 in an eclectic European style. It has 77 rooms, 14 bathrooms, two kitchens, galleries, courtyards, a carpentry workshop, a terrace, a lookout and balconies. Locals call it Castillo de Egaña.

Construction took place between 1918 and 1930 under the direction of Eugenio Díaz Vélez, grandson of an Argentine national hero. The period shaped both the architectural style and the interior design of the residence.

The mansion reflects the tastes of Argentina's wealthy class in the early 20th century, blending various European design elements together. Walking through it, you see how affluent families lived at that time and used their homes to display their status.

Access to the grounds is allowed on Sundays and holidays for a contribution of $50 per person. The site is managed by the Commission for the Recovery of San Francisco Castle, which uses the funds for basic maintenance and park recovery. On-site activities include bike rides, volleyball and soccer fields, children's games, walks to the Egaña Station, forest trails, and bonfires.

Since 2010, a commission of neighbours from Rauch has maintained the castle and its park, allowing access on Sundays and holidays for a small contribution. The grounds host bike rides, volleyball and football, and bonfires, and the castle is used for video and book productions with prior registration.