The famous Iglesia Catedral in Cordoba, Argentina.

The Iglesia Catedral in Cordoba, Argentina, is an  interesting and beautiful church. Situated on the west side of Plaza San Martin. I often take refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city and sit inside the church. A little bit of history about the church. Construction started in 1577.  The church was only completed in 1784, after nearly 200 years. In the beginning it was only a temporary structure. This structure collapsed in 1677.

The work of many different architects contributed to a unique buiding.

Many architects have worked on the project over the years including Jesuits and Franciscans. When you look closely at the building, you can see that each architect added his own unique style. This makes the Cathedral unique and beautiful. If you didn’t know the history behind it, you wouldn’t have noticed all the differences.

The Cathedral has a large Romanesque dome that overlooks Plaza San Martin. There are sculptures of musical angels on the baroque towers. Sculpted by indigenous people in 1776. It is interesting to know that they bear the faces of their sculptors.

The beautiful interior with silver and gold offerings.

The inside of the church is lavish and spectacular to say the least.  In the front of the church is a sterling silver altar. The altar made in Colonial Peru and  tabernacle donated to the church in 1804. The Cathedral has a large collection of silver and gold votive offerings.

The interior decorated with frescoes and murals painted in the early years of the 20^thcentury. Painters included Emilio Caraffa a famous Argentinean painter, Carlos Camilloni and Manuel Cardeñosa.

Prominent figures are laid to rest here.

Many prominent figures in the history of the Cordoba province are buried here. Their crypts are on display and you can visit them. These include General Jose Maria Paz (and his wife Margarita Weild), Bishop Hernando de Trejo and the first rector of the Cordoba University, Sanabria.

In 1941 The Cathedral  got declared a National Historic monument.

Guided tours are available every day between 9:00 and 17:00. I am not sure what the price is. I didn’t take the guided tour.  Tours leave from Santa Catalina 61, the entry on the north side of the cathedral.

When visiting the Cathedral around Christmas, you will often find scenes like in the photo below. It is very pretty and lovely to see.

Cnr of Independencia and 27 de Abril in the centre of Cordoba, close to Plaza San Martin.

Hours: 09:00-12:00 16:00-20:00