Alta Gracia
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Alta Gracia, Córdoba
Historically enchanting and surrounded by the natural beauty typical of the province of Córdoba, Alta Gracia is the main city in the department of Santa María, and is one of the most distinguished destinations in the Paravachasca circuit.
Paravachasca, the name that the locals originally gave this area, means “place of tangled vegetation”, and the Alta Gracia landscape surely fits in with this designation. The city is situated in a large, sprawling valley, surrounded by sierras that form a horseshoe.
The city was founded during the Spanish conquista era, originally as an estancia, as many of the smaller provincial cities often do start. Juan Nieto received some land in the area, and in 1588 built a small estancia, called Potrero de San Ignacio de Manresa. The next owner of the propery, Alonso Nieto de Herrera, gave the area the name we know today, in memory of a church in Extremadura, Spain, dedicated to La Virgen de Alta Gracia.
In the beginning of the 17th century, the Jesuits arrived to the estancia, and built canals to guide the water to the surrounding land, making it workable. The city simply continued to grow from there, although the Jesuits’ expulsion in 1767 left the estancia to pass through many different hands, until it was officially named a town in 1900, and declared a city in 1940.
There are many things to see in the area, both in and out of the city. The past Jesuit presence left many Jesuit relics that remain in the area. The Chicamtoltina stream, or arroyo, is another point of interest. Parque García Lorca, named for Spain’s most famed poet, is a place to sit and enjoy the sunshine, of which there is plenty in Córdoba. The park has an Olympic-sized pool, a camping zone, and a bici-cross zone, all built to bring relaxation, recreation, and nature together. There are also two golf courses in the area for those who enjoy the relaxed sport.
Visit the house of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, the Argentine-born revolutionary, who lived here from 1932 until 1943, as a child. His parent moved here in hopes that the drier climate would improve his respiratory problems. Today, the house is a museum, with different rooms that exhibit written works, notes, photographs, artifacts, and other things that represent and remember “Che”. There are a handful of other fascinating museums in town, as well, including a music museum, a Jesuit museum, and a local city museum.
If you are interested in Argentine country life, you will want to head out to the Estancia Alta Gracia, where it all began. It was declared a Historic National Monument in 1941, a National Museum in 1971, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Because of the lush, beautiful surroundings of Alta Gracia, there are plenty of things to do for the outdoorsy types, as well. Go horseback riding, trekking, or take advantage of the water sports offered on the Dique Los Molinos, one of the largest bodies of water in Córdoba. You can also do some sport fishing here. Looking for more places in this province? check the Argentina travel guide index for more!
The city is well equipped to handle visitors, with a variety of accommodation options and some great restaurants, where you can taste exquisitely prepared local food.