Córdoba is the second largest city in Argentina, with a population similar to that of Estonia. It is smack in between Salta and Buenos Aires, and since the trip from one to the other would have been rather long, we stopped in Córdoba for a day between two overnight bus rides.
Argentina's oldest university, founded in 1613 by the Jesuits, is located in Córdoba. Many buildings dating to that time are still well preserved, and we enjoyed walking among them, taking in the history. The Jesuit block (Manzana Jesuítica) - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - was especially impressive.
 |
| This Jesuit church also has a beautiful, but difficult-to-get-to side chapel |
 |
| The Academy of Sciences is located close to the cradle of higher education in Argentina |
Afterwards, we visited the Museo de la Memoría, which used to be the Police Intelligence Department during the Dirty War in the 70s and beginning of the 80s. Every country has had its horrors.
In the afternoon, we stopped by at three art galleries. The Paseo del Buen Pastor is actually a cultural center and performance space. We were most impressed by the beautiful, if somewhat kitschy musical fountain show in front of it. Another museum we visited - the Evita Fine Arts Museum - is located in the beautiful Ferrerya Palace, but we weren't particularly in awe of the exhibition there. Lastly, we went to the Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes Emilio Caraffa, and excellent contemporary art museum. There, we both loved Marcelo Hepp's striking sculptures, and I also enjoyed seeing contemporary Argentine ceramics.
 |
| The Paseo del Buen Pastor, with a fountain show in front |
Four museums and the Jesuit block - not bad for a mere 12 hours.
Just a couple of more photos of the lovely Córdoba can be seen here.
No comments:
Post a Comment