Alta Gracia

Alta Gracia is a city located in the north-centre of the provincec|Córdoba|Argentina. Its name means "High Grace". It is built upon the "Sierras Chicas", in a region that the Comechingón Indians used to call "Paravachasca". It has about 43,000 inhabitants (census-ar|2001).

History

In the 17th century Alta Gracia was as a large agricultural ranch (an "estancia") operated by Jesuits. Along with other ranches, including Colonia Caroya, Jesús María, Santa Catalina, La Candelaria y San Ignacio de los Ejercicios, Alta Gracia was founded to economically support the "Collegium Maximum" or "Colegio Máximo", one of Argentina's first universities ("Universitas Cortuba Tucumanæ") today: Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, and other educational institutes that are now part of the "Manzana Jesuítica" ("Jesuit Block"), an important center in Córdoba City. The Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba were named World Heritage site in 2000.

Owners of the "Estancia" Alta Gracia:
* Don Juan Nieto, 1588
* Alonso Nieto de Herrera, who named it after "Nuestra Señora de Alta Gracia"
* The Society of Jesus (donated by Alonso Nieto)
* Santiago de Liniers, 1810, who lived there for about 5 months
* José Manuel Solares, 1868
* Manuel de Falla

Attractions

Alta Gracia has a rich historical heritage. Some of the most important places are:
* The museum of Santiago de Liniers.
* "El Tajamar", a man-made lake.
* "El Obraje", a workshop were the Jesuits taught many Indians the different crafts.
* The Sierras Hotel, which John F. Kennedy has visited.
* A house where revolutionary Che Guevara used to live.

ources

"In Spanish unless otherwise noted."
* [http://www.altagracia.gov.ar Municipality of Alta Gracia] - Official website.
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