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The Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits, were of major importance in the spiritual, cultural and economic development of South America, and specifically here in the Province of Cordoba in Argentina. They arrived in 1599, and were expulsed by King Charles III of Spain in 1767. Their architects, engineers, doctors of medicine, agriculturalists and philosophers not only brought Christian beliefs to Cordoba, but by building a number of Estancias were instrumental in founding Cordobas Educational Centres, Infrastructure and Commerce.
In Cordoba City, which was then the Capital of the extensive 'Jesuit Province of Paraguay', which included Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and Chile, the Jesuits concentrated on Educational and Spiritual Issues. They founded several universities, which formed the beginning of the development of Cordoba into a City of Learning.
Today La Manzana Jesuitica, the Jesuit Block, has been designated as a National and World Heritage Site. It is located in the centre of Cordoba, and consist of the main church, a chapel, the residence of the padres, a university and two colleges...all still in use to this day. |
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| Centre Court of the University in the Manzana Jesuitica |
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| Church of the Jesuit Block. The nave is built like an inverted boat hull (the architect was a boat builder) and it's vaulted ceiling is constructed without the use of nails) |
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| Upper part of one of the massive wooden carved doors leading into the university |
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| A stark front of the Jesuit Church |
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Five other Jesuit Estancias were built along the Camino Real to support commerce and traffic. These are Alta Gracia (above) 1643, Caroya (1616), Jesus Maria (1618), Santa Catalina (1622) and Candelaria (1678)
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Alta Gracia Jesuit Estancia concentrated on wine production. Much of the work was performed, as was a reality in all these estancias, by natives and slaves, who had their quarters in or around the estancias.
This complex is adjacent to a water reservoir (still in existence) which the Jesuits built to support the community with water and the gardens and fields with irrigation. There is a farriers shop, a mill, a kiln, wine production facilities and of course a church and residences. |
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| Pleasant gardens are part of Alta Gracias present appearance |
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| A large library contains a special treasure: one of the two original Gutenberg Bibles, which were printed in Germany during Luther's life time. The Jesuits studied Luthers theological ideas which were contained in this priceless edition of the Bible, to better understand and defend the Catholic principles of Christian Faith |
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| Late Italian Baroque style is evident in the impressive church facade |
Alta Gracia is located about an hours drive south of Cordoba, the next day will take me north to Jesus Maria, Caroya and Santa Catalina.
