Argentina: Jesuit Estancias

Continuing our tour of the Jesuit estancias in Córdoba, we made our way to the nearby city of Alta Gracia. This estancia is now situated at the city center, and it seems that the city as it exists today is highly due to the development done by the Jesuits starting in the 1600s. This estancia was established in 1643, and was soon home to water-powered flour mills, a man-made lake, and a complex irrigation system. The technology utilized throughout this estancia struck me as quite innovative for the 17th century. The original church and living quarters still stand today, as well as the lake, though it is said to have shrunk in size. Much of the original furniture has been preserved, and ongoing research continues to reveal more information about this estancia. Since 1969 it has been owned by the country of Argentina and operates as a national museum.

The church is now used as the city's Catholic parish.

The view of the courtyard from inside. The wall on the right side is the church.

A model of what the estancia looked like back in the day. Today the church and living quarters around the courtyard are still standing. The lake and wall around it are still there as well. The building to the left of the church in this picture is now used as a trade school.

This was the water filtering system used by the early settlers. The water filtered through the top stone and what was left in the bottom basin was considered good for drinking and cooking.

One of the original pieces of German-style furniture in the dining room.

This clock tower stands in front of the artificial lake that was created by the first settlers of Alta Gracia.