Jesuit Monuments in Cordoba, Argentina, Cordoba, Argentina

Some of Argentina’s most impressive Jesuit buildings are found in the city of Córdoba. Tucked between the newer buildings of this worn-out city is the Jesuit Block, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to these distinguished buildings, you can find other elaborate churches, only a few streets away. Although not high on most tourists’ radars, those who love heritage churches will be happy to have visited Córdoba.

Before it was established in 1573, the land was inhabited by the indigenous Comechingones. The founder, Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera, was governor of this small western province in the Viceroyalty of Peru. He named his new city Córdoba de la Nueva Andalucía (Córdoba of the New Andalusia) because his wife’s family lived in Córdoba, Spain.

Soon after the city was settled, the Jesuits arrived and established Argentina’s first university, followed by several churches. As a result, today, the city’s historic centre boasts a large collection of Jesuit and other wonderful buildings from that time. In fact, they are so impressive that collectively, these Jesuit buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its location on 18th-century trade routes that connected the continent’s interior with the sea, resulted in Córdoba becaming very prosperous. Once Buenos Aires became the capital, however, it lost its importance and wealth. Adding to this, in the mid-18th century, the Spanish king expelled the Jesuits from South America. Fortunately for visitors today, many of the glorious buildings from this era still stand. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).