San Ignacio De Loyola Church, Buenos Aires

The San Ignacio De Loyola Church is the oldest in Buenos Aires. It was built by the Society of Jesus and forms part of a complex of Jesuit institutions called the Manzana de las Luces or the Block of Enlightenment.

The San Ignacio De Loyola Church was designed by Jesuit architect Juan Kraus and built between 1710 and 1734. It was constructed in honor of the founder of the Jesuit order, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. It replaced an older adobe church that was constructed in 1675. The Jesuits were the first Europeans to settle in colonies established by Spain and their tradition of being a teaching order that educated the indigenous people earned the location, the name block of enlightenment. The most famous public school in Argentina is also located here.

The San Ignacio De Loyola Church has an ornate Baroque façade. The interiors are covered with 18th century paintings. Notable among the paintings is the sliding canvas of Saint Ignatius of Loyola that was created in 1767. There are many 17th century underground tunnels that helped the Spanish while defending the country against the British. The San Ignacio De Loyola Church is open for visitors and they can also view some of the underground tunnels.