Argentina Chile Travel

Admin | December 16, 2011 | Comments Off

Argentina Chile Travel

Argentina Chile Travel

During the 17th century Jesuits came to Argentina and started schools and universities in Córdoba. In order to finance these estancias were set up, where agriculture and cattle breeding prospered. The Jesuits rapidly progressed to becoming rich, powerful and independent organizations. Too much so to the liking of the Spanish crown, which resulted in the expulsions of the Jesuits in 1767. The Jesuit estancias fell into decay until UNESCO gave them a World Heritage Status, and today the legacies of the Jesuit Trail can be visited and enjoyed.

The Museum of Jesuit Estancia Alta Gracia

Thirty-five kilometres southwest of Córdoba lies Jesuit Estancia Alta Gracia, dating from 1643. Its main source of income was the breeding of mules, which were subsequently transported via the "Camino Real" [Royal Road] to Lima – the South American capital of the Spanish empire – and to Potosi to work in the silver mines.

In 1977 the Argentinean government turned this Jesuit Estancia into an excellent museum [entrance fee A$2 /US $0,60]. Part of the estancia is the church, noticeable for having the bells on the back of the roof instead of on the front. Connected to the church is a large green patio, surrounded by the cloisters with seventeen rooms, where the estancia's history is displayed through ancient furniture, utensils and pieces of art.