I was very surprised to find the Tourism office inside the Clock Tower, in Alta Gracia. What a strange place for a tourist office! Those were my thoughts when I first visited Alta Gracia 3 years ago. After spending 5 days here I am of the opinion that they cannot be in a better building.
The Clock Tower (El Torre Reloj) cannot be missed. It is right opposite the famous Jesuits building and is an important landmark in the city of Alta Gracia. To visit the tourist attractions you have to walk past the Clock Tower.
My blog today is not about the tourist office. It is about the Clock Tower itself. It was built in 1938 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the town. It represents the passing of time and the historical stages of the city.
I wanted to know more. Who built it? I was curious about the architectural style. Sadly all I could find was an article in La Voz, the local newspaper, about the Clock Tower that will be undergoing reparations and maintenance.
This was indeed the truth and scaffolding was surrounding the poor tower. It almost looked like he was covered in corner barces. To make things even worse he was covered in some kind of fungus. Poor thing! He was indeed in need of some tender loving care.
The City council did some studies and it looks like a combination of humidity and water is causing this bacterial infection. But he is receiving ´medical´ attention right now and when he is better they will be dressing him up with coloured lights in strategic places. He will look like brand new.
When you visit Alta Gracia admire the clock tower. If you look closely you will see balconies and beautiful statues towards the upper part. At the top the clock is ticking…..tick.tick.tick!
Date: 13-17 July 2011
Where: Alta Gracia, Cordoba, Argentina
What a really great looking structure!! I love going to foreign countries and seeing buildings that were built so many years before. When you think how they built without the equipment we have today it is amazinghttp://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-i-photograph-silhouettes.html
Hi Jim, I love architecture too and it is so nice to admire the buildings and the different styles. Even here in Argentina you will find some incredible buildings inspired by many countries. I love visiting them 🙂
Hi SJ..LOL, yes you are right. It is only cosmetic but even buildings sometimes need that Botox injection to straighten out the wrinkles and make them look good!
Wonderful structure. He seems to be standing up well to the years considering how many it has been. Very interesting read and photos.
Glad to know there's a malady for that sick tower! It's very impressive looking.
A beautiful structure, I always think these 'problems' give them a touch of character but I definitely feel for this fellow. At least he's still ticking so it's only cosmetic.
What a grand-looking fellow he is…even though he is presently feeling poorly!I can imagine how handsome he will be when he's restored to his real, glorious self!I really enjoyed reading your post and pictures!
Beautiful structure!!! It has lots of character ~glad to see that its getting some TLC!
Strange place indeed for a tourist office 🙂 The clock tower looks great now but I'm sure it will absolutely be amazing after the much needed restoration job. Bet the view from atop is impressive!!
Absolutely fascinating,I have always loved clock towers,they have a certain characteristic that makes me curious…you must be enjoying it all…
Hi Jan, yes this fellow is quite old but he is still standing 🙂 Glad you liked the photos. I was lucky to get a nice sunset the one evening. Most of the days it was miserable weather.
Hi Jessica, yes me too. Shame the poor thing was covered in water every day when I walked past it. I am not sure what they were doing but it looks like it had to be done 🙂
HI David, you know you mention such an interesting thing. I have never asked if a person could walk to the top! I am sure the view must be impressive because right next to it is a man made lake. Next time when I am there I will ask 🙂 Thanks for the visit!
Hi Becky, yes I am sure this guy will look a lot better after the restorations are done. It sure does give him character but we would like him to survive an other 350 years 😉
Hi Amy, yes me too. He is such an impressive looking fellow 🙂
Hi Alpana, I love them too. I could sit in front of them for a long time and just admire them. This one is very impressive looking and I am sure he will look even more impressive after the maintenance 🙂 Glad you have enjoyed it 🙂
For some reason, I find its current look more appealing, the whole malady adds character to the structure itself, beautifully rustic 🙂
True, Claire! It does add character but we unfortunately it the rock is corroding, so they have to do something 🙂
Beautiful! Thanks for the mini-course on the clock tower — I feel a little smarter than I was a few minutes ago ;-)Our lovely St. Paul's Cathedral, here in MN, went through a restoration a few years ago. It seemed like FOREVER that it was surrounded by scaffolding, cluttering the view — but when they were finally finished it looked more GLORIOUS than ever!
Hi Linda, you are welcome 🙂 I am sure these old fellows need TLC more often than what we think. I hope this one will look splendid very soon :)Glad your St.Paul´s Cathedral is looking and feeling much better!
Hi Linda, you are welcome 🙂 I am sure these old fellows need TLC more often than what we think. I hope this one will look splendid very soon :)Glad your St.Paul´s Cathedral is looking and feeling much better!
True, Claire! It does add character but we unfortunately it the rock is corroding, so they have to do something 🙂
For some reason, I find its current look more appealing, the whole malady adds character to the structure itself, beautifully rustic 🙂
Hi Amy, yes me too. He is such an impressive looking fellow 🙂
Hi Becky, yes I am sure this guy will look a lot better after the restorations are done. It sure does give him character but we would like him to survive an other 350 years 😉
HI David, you know you mention such an interesting thing. I have never asked if a person could walk to the top! I am sure the view must be impressive because right next to it is a man made lake. Next time when I am there I will ask 🙂 Thanks for the visit!
Hi Jan, yes this fellow is quite old but he is still standing 🙂 Glad you liked the photos. I was lucky to get a nice sunset the one evening. Most of the days it was miserable weather.
Hi SJ..LOL, yes you are right. It is only cosmetic but even buildings sometimes need that Botox injection to straighten out the wrinkles and make them look good!
Hi Jim, I love architecture too and it is so nice to admire the buildings and the different styles. Even here in Argentina you will find some incredible buildings inspired by many countries. I love visiting them 🙂