Argentina – Discover the Jesuit Trail in Córdoba
Estancias Jesús María and Caroyo Are Part of Camino de las Estancias
Sep 7, 2008
In 1608 "La Compañia de Jesús" founded the Noviciate in Córdoba – the first university of Argentina. Since the Jesuits didn't receive any resources from the Spanish Crown due to disagreements, estancias were set up to finance the university and other schools in Córdoba city. In 2000 Unesco gave World Heritage Status to the Jesuit heritage in Córdoba city as well as the surrounding estancias – called the Jesuit Trail, or Jesuit Circuit. Two estancias lie north of Córdoba, and are both well worth visiting: the Jesuit Estancias of Jesús María and Caroya.
The Jesuit Trail – History of Jesuit Estancia Caroya
In order to finance the Our Lady of Monserrat Boarding School, the Jesuits bought Estancia Caroya in 1616 – the first of the Jesuit estancias around Córdoba. Apart from being used for agricultural and cattle breeding purposes, this estancia also served as a vacation residence for the students.
The Jesuits were expelled in 1767 and the place stood deserted until 1814, when it was turned into a steel blade factory for the Army of the North [Ejército del Norte], until Argentinean independence was gained in 1816. Again the estancia stood neglected until, in 1878, it was turned into a shelter for Italian immigrants who founded the colony of Caroya from here.
Museum of Jesuit Estancia Caroya
The rural estancia comprises a small domestic chapel and a patio surrounded by cloisters; the museum features exhibitions of the three different residential groups – the Jesuits, the blade factory and the Italian immigrants. Estancia Caroya lies 44 kilometres north of Córdoba City, via Ruta 9. Entrance fee: A$2 [US $0,60].
The Jesuit Circuit – Estancia Jesús María
In 1618 the Jesuits bought a second property: the land which would become Estancia Jesús María, comprising 20,000 grape vines, fields for agriculture and cattle. Wine production became their main source of income, with which this estancia maintained the University in Córdoba.
Museum of Jesuit Estancia Jesús María
In the numerous rooms off the two-level cloisters around the quadrangle are many artifacts and extensive information sheets in Spanish, English and French. The estancia is not only a museum of the Jesuit history, it also houses an interesting display of pre-Colombian arts and crafts, an extensive coin collection as well as an exposition on religious art.
Jesús María lies 4 kms west of Caroya, or 48 kilometres north of Córdoba City by Ruta 9. Entrance fee: A$2 [US $0,60].
Underground Passage Linking Jesuit Estancias in Córdoba
Recently it has been discovered that some estancias were connected by a tunnel so people and goods could safely be transported during times of unrest. Hopefully there will be enough interest and financial funding to restore this unique part of the Jesuits' cultural legacy as well.
El Camino de las Estancias and Other Activities Around Córdoba
The two Jesuit Estancias north of Córdoba, Jésus María and Caroya, both show a unique history of the Jesuits' heyday. Five Estancias in total form part of the Jesuit Trail – also called "El Camino de las Estancias" – around Córdoba. When visiting Córdoba City an interesting, family-oriented cultural centre is El Paseo del Buen Pastor. One way to visit all these sights is by an organised tour.
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