The "Manzana Jesuítica" of the City of Córdoba
The Jesuit settled in Córdoba in 1599, in the area granted by the Cabildo (Old Town Hall) among Vélez Sársfield Av., Obispo Trejo, Caseros Streets, were there used to be since 1589 a little hermitage that was not big enough to house the clergy, students, and the faithful. For that reason, in 1608 the construction of the new buildings began, historic buildings that are now part of the Manzana Jesuítica. Later on, other buildings were constructed: Colegio Máximo (1610), the University (1622), Colegio Convictorio de Nuestra Señora de Monserrat (Colegio Convictorio of Our Lady of Monserrat that was founded in 1687 but relocated in today's site in 1782 when the Compañía was expelled) and the Novitiate (in 1710). The church and the Capilla Doméstica were built between 1644 and 1671.

After the Jesuits were expelled in 1767, the Manzana was given to Franciscans until 1853 when the Compañía returned. In 1854 the University and the Colegio Monserrat were nationalized.

The Manzana Jesuítica includes the Compañía´s church, the Capilla Doméstica, the Residence of the Priests, the Rectorado (rector ship and former Colegio Máximo of the Compañía de Jesús), including the administrative offices, the university council, the Salón de Grados, and the Biblioteca Mayor (main library), and the Colegio Monserrat. It is important to mention the whole outline of the Iglesia de la Compañía (Compañía´s church), with its two bell towers and its beautifully ornament interior. The magnificent altarpiece stands out in Latin-American Baroque style of the XVII century. The "Capilla Doméstica" is also well known for its extraordinary altarpiece and the ornamental painting of its vault. The University and the Colegio Monserrat buildings are examples of an architectural style consisting in vaulted cloisters that limit a courtyard. Special attention must be given to the Salón de Grados (former "Capilla de Españoles") decorated in a rich Baroque style, and the "Biblioteca Mayor" that preserves an important collection of books that belonged to the Jesuit library (books collected between the XVI and XVIII centuries).

Landscape

The Manzana Jesuítica is enclosed by the downtown area of the city, and has been totally transformed by the dynamic urban development. However, the visitor can go back to colonial times when walking along the block on which the "Iglesia de la Compañía" (Compañía´s Church), the Rectorado, and the Colegio Monserrat. University students bring life nearby bars and create a cheerful atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Cultural Activity

The Manzana Jesuítica represents in the city of Córdoba the central node of the system and a site interpretation center, to be located in the Rectorado. La Manzana Jesuítica has the educational function of operating as a nexus with the estancias. The Manzana is the tourist point of departure towards the new tourist circuit of the Estancias Jesuíticas.

Location

Downtown area of the city of Córdoba, the square block bounded by Obispo Trejo, Caseros, Duarte Quirós Streets and Vélez Sársfield Av.