At the foot of the mountains Sierra de Córdoba there is situated the second biggest city in Argentina. It was founded in the middle of the 16th century by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera and named in honour of the Spanish city. In the city there is the oldest university in South America which was established by Jesuits in 1613.
The most interesting historical buildings are in the district Manzana Jesuítica, that is on UNESCO World Heritage list. You can find there university buildings from the 17th century, the church of Society of Jesus and estancias – farms of Jesuits. For a walk definitely go to Calle Obispo Trejos, which is located south of the main square – Plaza de San Martin. Obispo goes along colonial town houses and beautiful buildings from times of the Spanish ruling. Masterpiece is the church Inglesia de la Compania de Jesus from 1645.
Do you fancy a walk among greenery or a few-hours trekking? Go to one of the national parks. In Lihué Calel you will find a lot of archaeological sites, whereas situated in the mountains Quebrada del Condorito was established in order to protect condors, who need a lot of natural space. In forest preserve Cerro Colorado you can go for a trip through caves full of paintings made by tribes that used to live in that area.
If you want to get some souvenirs from Córdoba, go to Paseo de las Artes, located between streets Belgrano and Canada. On stalls you will buy hand-made things – jewellery, bags, paintings or hand-painted lampions, as well as local food and alcohol. Trade is taking place there till late evening. On a passage’s main square, between stalls, there are dancing parties.
Local cuisine will especially please lovers of meat. The best steaks from Argentinean beef are in Sibaris by Calle Buenos Aires and in Alcorta Carnes y Vino by Figueroa Alcorta. In that second restaurant the choice of local wines is surprising even for gourmets. Do you prefer some more home vibe? Step by Viejo Lobo at Avenida 24 de Septiembre, where the show-off dish is egg on ham with French fries and green pea.
