20 Must-Visit Attractions in Cordoba, Argentina

Cordoba, Argentinas second city
Cordoba, Argentina's second city | © Nico Niospe/Flickr
Sorcha O'Higgins

Cordoba, Argentina’s second city, has a wealth of activities for anyone visiting the area. Whether city vibes are your thing or you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, Cordoba has it all in spades. We take a look at the best things to do in and around Cordoba.

1. Jesuit Block and Estancias

Church, Museum

Jesuit estancia Alta Gracia
© Randal Sheppard/Flickr
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Jesuit block is a city center complex built by Spanish missionaries over the course of 150 years in the 17th and 18th centuries. The block contains the city’s university, a school, a church and some residences, all of which make up the core buildings of Jesuit reduction. Located outside the city in the province of Cordoba are five estancias, or ranches, each having its own church and associated set of buildings. Visit the Jesuit block here.

2. Parque Sarmiento

Park

A 19th century park designed by French urbanist Charles Thays, Parque Sarmiento is a prominent feature of the city and the largest green space in Cordoba. Complete with rose garden and duck lake, the park was a haunt of the wealthy at the time of its construction, now enjoyed by anyone who wishes to take a stroll in its idyllic surroundings. Visit the park here.

3. Evita Fine Arts Museum

Museum

Located in Parque Sarmiento, this museum dedicated to Argentina’s former first lady Eva Peron is housed in a mansion built by local aristocrat Dr. Juan Ferreyra in the Beaux Arts style. Completed in 1916, it has been home to the Evita Fine Arts Museum since 2007 and has a collection of over 500 artworks by both local and international artists. Visit the museum here.

5. Emilio Caraffa Fine Arts Museum

Museum, Building

Faro Museo Emilio Caraffa
© Cinthia Bravo/Flickr
Also located inside Parque Sarmiento, this austere and imposing building was originally designed by German architect Juan Kronfuss in 1915. A new, modern addition was added to the rear of the Neoclassical structure in 2007 and now the entire museum houses many wonderful contemporary artworks. Check the website for upcoming events and exhibitions. Visit the museum here.

6. Paseo Del Buen Pastor

Church, Building

This cultural and retail complex is on the site of a former women’s prison in the center of Nueva Cordoba. With a modern construction set in a landscaped plaza, a shopping plaza now sits on top of the jail’s ruins and an arts center is housed in a converted chapel. Visit the centre here.

7. Faro Museo Emilio Caraffa

Museum, Building

Faro Museo Emilio Caraffa
© Cinthia Bravo/Flickr
Sitting at the edge of Parque Sarmiento, this monument was erected in 2010 to celebrate 200 years of the Argentine revolution. An 80m high, twisting concrete tower, the Faro (or ‘lighthouse’ in English) illuminates from the top at night and has an exhibition space and an auditorium. Visit the faro here.

8. Centro Cultural Cordoba

Museum

Another must-see in Parque Sarmiento, the Centro Cultural Cordoba is an impressive feat of urbanism and engineering, taking the form of a sculptural landform under which the concrete and glass structure of the cultural center sits. Part interpretive center, part city monument, it is worth scaling its large ramp to get impressive views of the city. Visit the centre here.

9. Reserva Natural Urbana San Martin

Natural Feature

Situated just outside the ring road that encloses the city, the Reserva Parque San Martin is an ecological reserve set in a lush landscape with many natural features including a picturesque river for those who want an easy escape from the city. Stay in the campground to get the best out of the reserva experience. Visit the reserve here.

Nueva Cordoba

A popular haunt of college students who proliferate in Cordoba, Nueva Cordoba is the city’s heartbeat. Marcelo T. Alvear is the go-to street for the most vibrant nightlife – revelers party into the wee hours, downing glasses of Fernet and Coke, a staple of the Cordobese nocturnal scene.

10. Iglesia De Los Capuchinos

Church

The Neo-Gothic Iglesia de los Capuchinos
© Miguel/Flickr
Located opposite the Paseo del Buen Pastor, this incredible church was only completed in 1934, despite appearing to date from an era far earlier than this. Built in the Neo-Gothic style, it is notable for the two bell towers on its front facade, one with a spire that represents divinity and another truncated tower which represents mortality. Visit the church here.

Guemes

Cordoba’s hippest neighborhood has some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Stroll around in the evening to get a flavor for the area, then dip into one of the many quaint alleys to check out the culinary wares on offer.

11. Paseo De Los Artes

Market

Situated at the junction of Montevideo and Belgrano, the Paseo De Los Artes is a veritable feast for all those who want to delve into the artisan world of Cordoba. Between artisan markets, a handicrafts museum and numerous stalls selling their products, the Paseo De Los Artes is a celebration of regional craftsmanship. Visit the market here.

12. Centro Civico de la Provincia de Cordoba

Park, Building

This sculptural government building is a planar concrete construction with an interestingly perforated facade. Although not accessible to the public, it is worth passing by at night to see it lit up in all its glory. Visit the building here.

Villa Carlos Paz

The idyllic Villa Carlos Paz

This idyllic town is a tourist haven for those looking to experience both the urban settlements and natural beauty of the Cordobese countryside. Situated on the shores of the San Roque lake, Villa Carlos Paz is less than 40km from Cordoba and boasts incredible lakes, rivers and hills – perfect for some light outdoor activity.

Villa General Belgrano

This quaint mountain town was founded in 1930 by two German agriculturalists and has a distinctly Alpine feel. Known for its Bavarian architecture and German influence, it is a popular stop on the tourist trail in the countryside surrounding Cordoba and well worth a day trip.

Cosquín

This quiet town garnered fame for being a safe haven for anyone with respiratory or pulmonary ailments due to its pure and fresh air. Now it is more renowned for the National Folklore Festival it hosts annually, drawing over 100,000 people each year.

Uritorco Hill

The incredible views from Uritorco Hill

One of the more legendary locations around Cordoba, the Uritorco Hill has become a thing of lore due to reported paranormal activity in the area. UFO sightings, secret portals to other dimensions, magnetic energy fields all fight for the title of the most bizarre happening on the hill. A must-visit for any mystic.

Capilla del Monte

A small town in the Sierras Chicas mountain range in the Cordobese countryside, Capilla Del Monte is the local stronghold and hub for anyone wanting to visit the Uritorco Hill. There are many other features of natural beauty to be explored from the town, such as the Calabalumba River and the El Zapato rock formation.

Sierras Grandes

This local mountain range runs parallel to the Andes but is a lot more hospitable. Clusters of rolling hills and valleys hide rivers and streams, and the Sierras offer everything an outdoor enthusiast can want. Rent a car and discover the wonders the Sierras Grandes have to share.

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