Estancia Santa Catalina

About

Nestled 70 kilometers northwest of Córdoba Capital, Estancia Santa Catalina beckons travelers on a captivating journey through time. The estancia, purchased by the Company of Jesus in 1622 for four thousand five hundred Pesos, once thrived as a vast agricultural and cattle-rearing hub. As visitors traverse the historical grounds, they encounter the Baroque-style cathedral, a testament to the Jesuits' architectural prowess. The church, adorned with Central European influences, features an imposing façade, twin towers, and an intricately carved main altar. The interior unfolds in harmonious proportions, with a Latin cross-shaped nave culminating in a captivating circular dome. Beyond the church, the estate unveils a Medieval-style ensemble—cloisters, galleries, workshops, stables, and quarters. Santa Catalina's significance extends to its role as a cultural repository, declared a National Historical Museum in 1941. While the estancia remains in private ownership, guided tours, led by knowledgeable caretakers, offer glimpses into its ancestral courtyards and historical treasures. These are only available in Spanish, however.