Estancia de Jesús María
The Estancia de Jesús María was the second center of production in the system run by the Compañía de Jesús. Its construction started in 1618 in the lands known as Guanusacate, name given by the sanavirones aborigines. The estancia was characterized by the wine-growing activity, which reached a high quality level, and development that has continued up to the present.

The Estancia de Jesús María includes the church, the residence, the wine cellar, the remains of old mills, perchel, and tajamar. The aborigines and slaves´ dwellings are gone. There are no cultivated and grazing fields either. The residence is built around a central courtyard, enclosed in two of its sides by a two level cloister, the overlapping arches are remarkable. The church has a unique vaulted nave, a sober facade, an outstanding central dome ornamented in the inside with beautiful shapes in relief, and the stylish stone bell gable placed by the sacristy.

Landscape

Like the Estancia de Caroya, the Estancia de Jesús María, became the starting point for the development of the city named after it that has many attractive natural spots. The population density is low, and in the surrounding, the visitor can appreciate wide cattle breeding and cultivated fields.

Cultural Activity

Today, this tourist site houses the National Jesuit Museum. When the Compañía de Jesús was expelled, it was passed on to private hands until it was acquired by national government and declared National Historic Monument in 1941. The Estancia de Jesús María, located on the periphery of the town, is still related to agricultural and cattle breeding activities that allow the visitor to take a trip back to the past and interpret the original conditions of the undertaking.

Location

The estancia in on the northwestern peripheral area of Jesús María town, 48 km north of the city of Córdoba by the national road 9 (see the map).