JESUIT BLOCK
AND ESTANCIAS DE CORDOBA...
Unique sample of fusion between European and Indigenous culture
Cordoba: Jesuit Block - © Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
In the heart of the city of Cordoba, in Cordoba province, Argentina, lies the remnant of one of the most successful ever social and economical projects carried over by "Compañia de Jesus" (Society of Jesus) in the Spanish Americas.
Its founder, Saint Ignatius Loyola (born in 1491), had a mission: youth education and evangelization in the New World.
This legacy, that is part of the World Heritage Landmark by UNESCO, includes...
- The Jesuit Block (Manzana Jesuitica), encompass the Compañia's Church, Capilla domestica, Residence of the Priests and the Rectorado.
Its vaults an altarpieces have a singular style born out of Aboriginal Art and European Baroque. - Estancias de Cordoba (ranches), whose main objective was to finance the activities that took place in the Manzana Jesuitica.
In Fact, the Order created its own means of subsistence by building or acquiring six ranches...
- Caroya (1615)
- Jesus Maria (1618)
- Santa Catalina(1622)
- Alta Gracia (1643)
- Candelaria (1683)
- San Ignacio(1725)
Jesuit Church in Alta Gracia - ©Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
They were self contained and had many facilities that included...
- cattle stations, corrals and paddocks
- fruit and vegetable gardens
- fields to cultivate wheat and corn
- tajamar (water reservoir) and irrigation channels
- workshops: carpentry, smithy and tannery
- bakery
- workshops used to weave and manufacture soap
This unique religious, social and economical experiment took place between 17h. and 18th. centuries.
If you an Art and History lover, we strongly recommend to travel the Circuit of the Jesuit Block and Estancias de Cordoba while in this province of Argentina...
To learn more about Jesuit achievements in the Americas visit Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis.
What Jesuits achieved was not only a place to worship but also and intelectual and cultural center that formed doctors and lawyers.They made an important contribution to science, technology and the arts of that time.
People came from remote places looking for science and knowledge.
This attempt came to an end in April 1767, when King Charles III signed the decree that expelled the "Compañia de Jesus" from the Spanish Americas.
How to Get There:
Pajas Blancas airport outside the city of Cordoba receives flights from just about anywhere in Argentina, plus Latin American countries.
You can also travel to Cordoba with a regular bus service from Buenos Aires (Retiro Bus Station) as well as from any main city in Argentina.
Where to Stay:
The city of Cordoba caters for all budgets.
Here is a list of some of the best Hostels you'll find there...
- Córdoba Backpackers Hostel Internacional
Deán Funes 285, Cordoba - Hostel Joven Cordoba
Tablada 414 Centro, Cordoba - La Casona Hostel
Humberto Primo 824, Cordoba - Locomotion Pop Hostel
225 Montevideo St, Cordoba - Tango Hostel
Fructuoso Rivera 70, Cordoba
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