Jesuit Block (Manzana Jesuitica)

The basics

Sightseeing city tours and walking tours of Córdoba’s Historic Center often include a visit to the Jesuit Block alongside the central Plaza San Martín, the landmark Government House (Casa de Gobierno) and Palace of Justice (Palacio de Justicia), and the Cathedral of Córdoba, Argentina’s oldest church still in use. Three main buildings make up the Jesuit Block—the National University of Córdoba, which is famously one of the oldest in South America; the National College of Our Lady of Montserrat; and the Jesuit Church and Residence.

Things to know before you go

• You can visit the Jesuit Block independently, but there’s little information available, so it’s recommended to take a tour—learning about the city’s fascinating Jesuit history is a big part of the experience.

• There is a small admission fee to visit the university and other buildings, but it’s free to visit the church.

• Some parts of the Jesuit Block are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

The Jesuit Block is located in Córdoba’s Historic Center, about a 5-minute walk from the central Plaza San Martín. It’s easiest to arrive on foot, but taxis are also readily available in the city, and buses stop close to the university building.

When to get there

Opening hours vary at the Jesuit Block, so it’s worth checking ahead or booking a tour to avoid disappointment. The university building is typically closed on Sundays, and the church often closes for a few hours in the afternoon.

The Jesuit Block and its five estancias

Córdoba’s Jesuit Block is a UNESCO Site along with five estancias (farming estates)—Alta Gracia, Santa Catalina, Jesús María, La Candelaria, and Caroya—set in the countryside surrounding the city. Built and run by the Jesuits between the 17th and 18th centuries, the estancias were the crux of the Jesuit economy and, most notably, brought together European and Indigenous cultures under a unique political, cultural, and religious system.