JESUIT MISSIONS OF
THE GUARANIS...
The biggest project ever in the History of South America
Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis (remains), Argentina, are a living example of what the "Compañia de Jesus" (Society of Jesus), under the motto: Ad majorem Dei gloriam - latin for "to the greater glory of God" - achieved in the New World during 17th. and 18th. centuries.
The order was founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1534, and confirmed by Pope Paul III in 1540.
San Ignacio Jesuit Mission - © Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
This fantastic sight, listed by UNESCO in the World Heritage Landmark, encompass five missions in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil...
- San Ignacio Mini
- Santa Ana
- Nuestra Señora de Loreto
- Santa Maria la Mayor
- Sao Miguel das Missoes
Guarani means "warrior" and is the name of one of the most important tribal groups in South America.
They inhabited in what is now Paraguay and Entre Rios and Corrientes provinces in Argentina.
Missions were erected partly to catechize the Guarani Indian population and also to protect them from Spanish and Portuguese slave traders.
You might remember a film called "The Mission" (1986), a historical dramatization of events that took place in South America at that time, directly related to this matter.
San Miguel Jesuit Mission - © Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
Jesuit Missions were intended to establish a new model for integrating indigenous population, socially, as well as culturally and economically.
The first Jesuit mission of the Guaranis was established in 1607.
Trough missions, Jesuits introduced to the Indians most of the arts and trades of Europe. They were involved in agriculture, stock rising and cultivation of mate or native tea.
In addition, they had..
- tanneries
- coopers
- boat builders
- cordage makers
- carpenters
- painters
- silversmiths
- printers
- weavers
They also made arms, powder and musical instruments.
San Ignacio - © Secretariat of Tourism Buenos Aires
The Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis, a fantastic project that lasted one century and a half, came to an end in 1767, when Jesuits were expelled by a royal edict.
Missions were handed over mainly to Franciscans but soon declined due to different reasons. Indians went back to the forests and only ruins remained of once splendid churches and times of splendor.
Go to Jesuit Block and Estancias de Cordoba for more info about the Jesuit project in South America.
Please visit San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana and Santa Maria de Loreto Missions in the province of Misiones, Argentina.
It's a 296 km. long circuit of incredible scenic beauty and the best example of what Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis were all about...
You could set up your base camp in Puerto Iguazu city, and of course, pay a visit to the magnificent Iguazu falls while in the area, one of the most impressive sights in South America...
How to Get There:
There are several national and international flights that touch down in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Foz do Iguazu (Brazil).
From Buenos Aires, you can take Aerolineas Argentinas and Southern Winds.
Where to Stay:
Here are some suggestions for you to choose from..
Hostels:- Hostel - Inn Iguazú Falls
Ruta 12 - Km. 5 Phone: 42-1823 / 42-0160 Phone/Fax: 42-0156 - Sumaj Youth Hostel
Andresito 145 Tel: 42 0995 - Hostel Iguazú Falls
Guarani 70 Phone: 42-1295
Guest Houses:
- Uno
Fray Luis Beltrán 116 Phone: 42-0529 - San Fernando
Córdoba y Guaraní Phone: 42-1429 - San Diego
Guaraní 75 Phone: 42-2528 - Rioselva
San Lorenzo 140 Phone: 42-1555
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