Cordoba Argentina - Rich in History & Atmosphere
A City of Fine Colonial Architecture Bordering an Historic Plaza
Aug 29, 2008
Argentina's second city boasts the country's oldest Cathedral, some fine colonial residences and well preserved Jesuit buildings. However soaking up the atmosphere in leafy Plaza San Martin is just as pleasurable as discovering its past.
Córdoba is also called La Docta because of its important universities and also "Ciudad de las Campanas" (The City of the Bells) because of the many churches built by the Franciscans and Dominicans.
A Walking Tour of Cordoba A good place to start a tour is in the historic heart of Plaza San Martin. The Plaza (1577) originally staged military parades, processions,bullfights and during the hispanic period executions took place here. Fringing the Plaza are some of Cordoba's most significant buildings;
- The Cathedral Construction started in 1574 and continued 200 years because of 3 landslides. The finished building is a mixture of styles - part Baroque, part Neoclassical. The clock towers are decorated with statues of angelic trumpeters dressed in native skirts of indigenous Guarani plumes.
- The Cabildo Construction started on this 2-storey building in 1588, however the present day facade was added by Marquis of Sobremont in 1784. The Cabildo was the heart of colonial administration and served purposes such as a court, prision, provincial parliament and government and police offices. Today the building houses the City Museum which displays archaeological finds unearthed during restoration of the building.
- Monasterio de Santa Teresa Just off Plaza San Martin is Juan de Tejeda Religious Art Museum housed in what was formerly part of the nunnery of the Carmelite Order. Guides show visitors around the courtyards, gardens and former cells of the nuns. Cells house religious art and relics as well as making a silent statement about the isolated and austere life led by the nuns. Cells are bare and the only communication with the outside world was through confessionals. Life as a member of the Carmelite Order, still in residence in adjoining buildings, continues barely unchanged by the centuries.
The Jesuits had a profound influence on Cordoba both economically and architecturally. The buildings in central Cordoba, comprising a whole block or manzana, and the 4 remaining estancias (farms) on Cordoba's outskirts are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The Manzana of the Jesuits The Jesuit Religious Order settled in Córdoba in 1599 to start their missionary work. They also bequeathed to Córdoba a valuable heritage including one of the most prestigious Universities in Latin America (1613), the Church of Jesus' Company which is the oldest in the country, and the first printing house.
- The Crypt This underground crypt was rediscovered by accident in 1989. Built in the 18th century it is a chapel and one of Cordoba's oldest colonial structures.
- The Jesuit Estancias On the outskirts is Ruta Nacional 9 also known as Camino de la Historia (Historical Route). The Route forms part of the Camino Royal (Royal Way), the colonial Spanish road from Lima and Potosi into Argentina. The Jesuit missionaries followed this road to Cordoba and quickly dominated the local economy using local indians as a labour source. Today 4 Jesuit estancias can be visited in a convenient day trip from Cordoba.
Getting to Cordoba The city is easily accessible by air from Buenos Aires and by road and public transport.
Accommodation in Cordoba The city offers the full range from budget to 5 star, bed and breakfast and holiday apartments.
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