- Address: Camino a Obispo Trejo 242, CordobaX5012LLA, Argentina
- Phone: +54 351 433-2075
In one of the Argentine cities is a historic district, which was built by preachers in the XVII - XVIII centuries. It is called the Jesuit quarter and the mission of Cordoba (La Manzana Jesuítica y las Estancias de Córdoba).
Interesting information
The following facts will help to get to know this popular tourist place:
- For travelers who love ancient architectural structures, a special route El Camino de las Estancias Jesuíticas ("The road of the Jesuit missions") with a total length of 250 km is developed.
- The complex is located in a picturesque area and is surrounded by a beautiful park with centuries-old trees and a lake.
- Monks lived in these parts for more than 150 years: from 1589 to 1767, until Charles III issued a decree, which referred to the expulsion of missionaries from the Spanish territories, as well as the confiscation of their property. During their stay in this land, preachers reached a high level of socio-economic and religious development at that time. The project was administered by an order called the Society of Jesus (Compañia de Jesus).
- Each religious community built its own church and several auxiliary farm buildings. In these places, six villages were subsequently formed: Alta Gracia, Candelaria, Santa Catalina, Heus Maria, Caro and San Ignacio. The last mission, unfortunately, is completely destroyed.
- During the construction of the complex, representatives of the Jesuits from all over Europe came to the city, who brought new technologies, various ideas and styles. Thus, the project involved both local and European cultures.
Description of sight
Currently, the complex in the city of Cordoba can be divided into two parts:
- The former reductions that the Jesuit missionaries built in the immediate vicinity of the city. Their main goal was the teaching and peaceful conversion of Indian tribes to Christianity. Later, farms and premises were transferred to the possessions of Franciscan monks.
- The Jesuit quarter of Argentina , which includes residential buildings, the Church of the Society of Jesus, the Monserrat secondary school, residential mansions, printed editions, student hostels and the National University . After the expulsion of the preachers, the Jesuit educational institutions were administered by the city administration.
Consider the most famous preserved buildings in more detail:
- University - it was founded in 1613 and is considered one of the very first in South America. Today, it ranks second in Argentina in its importance;
- the church is a masterpiece of engineering. He is famous for the fact that here the spiritual director of the local archdiocese was Pope Francis, belonging to the Jesuit order;
- the Alta Gracia quarter or the Estancia Alta Gracia - preachers built it in 1615 as a commercial income-generating farm.
- In 2000, the complex of the Jesuit quarter and the mission of Cordoba were listed as a World Heritage Site as a unique evidence of the activities of monks in Latin America.
Visit the landmark can be from Tuesday to Sunday. Free tours are available at 10:00, 11:00, 17:00 and at 18:00.
How to get to the Jesuit quarter in Argentina?
The complex is located in the center of Cordoba , to which you can fly from the capital of the country by plane (journey time 1.5 hours) or by car on the road №№RN226 and RP51 (en route about 11 hours). Travelers, arriving in the village, will reach the sights by such streets: Avenida Vélez Sársfield, Caseros, Duarte y Quirós and Obispo Trejo.
If you are interested in the history of Argentina or ancient religious buildings, then the Jesuit quarter and the mission of Cordoba - the best place for this.