Founded in 1573, Córdoba is Argentina's second largest city.
Although there has been massive development in recent years, much
of the old colonial vestiges remain. A fine collection of churches
and colonial buildings survive from this period, including the 17th
century Cabildo (town hall), the Romanesque Iglesia Cathedral and
the Jesuit Iglesia de la Compañía, the oldest surviving church in
Argentina, built in 1622. The Museo Histórico Provincial Marqués de
Sobremonte is one of the most important historical museums in the
country.
The Jesuit influence is clear within the scenic mountain
interior, which is scattered with colonial churches, hermitages and
interesting towns. Many are well prepared for tourists, with
hotels, restaurants and festivals keeping the Jesuit and gaucho
traditions alive.
Cordoba has long been considered the cultural centre of
Argentina, being the home of famous writers from the last century
such as Leopoldo Lugones, Arturo Capdevila and Marcos Aguinis. The
city is also home to the Caraffa Fine Arts Museum and the Evita
Fine Arts Museum, as well as the Paseo del Buen Pastor, a cultural
centre containing an art gallery, a fine wine shop, artisanal
cheese shop, and other craft and artisan stalls.
Cordoba is also known as La Docta because of its many scientific
institutes and universities, including the National Technological
University. With a student population of around 200,000, it's no
wonder that Cordoba has some of the liveliest nightlife in
Argentina.
Due it its position in the geographic centre of the country,
Cordoba is easily reached by plane, bus, rail or car, and makes a
good stopping point on the journey from Buenos Aires to the Andean
Northwest. Outside of the city, travellers can continue their
holiday in the Sierras de Cordoba, a hill district featuring
beautifully-situated resorts and the Quebrada del Condorito
National Park.
