Archive for the ‘Cordoba’ Category

Cordoba

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Cordoba is the second largest city in Argentina and the capital of Cordoba Province in the northwest. The city was founded in 1573 and named after the city in Spain. It was one of the first Spanish colonial cities. The city is surrounded by valleys of three mountain groups. It has a population of 1.3 million or more people. Cordoba is nicknamed La Docta or roughly “Learned Lady” because of the many universities and students.

Cordoba is a lively city with a fascinating mix of new and old. It mixes colonial architecture with modern buildings. There are many historical monuments, foremost buildings of the Roman Catholic Church. The Jesuit Block, a group of buildings dated from the 17th century, is declared as a World Heritage Site. This site includes the Montserrat School and the colonial university campus. The city is full of churches, palaces, monuments, museums and theaters. The city also has four excellent municipal galleries.

Cordoba has just as other large cities many shopping centers and a vibrant nightlife, although it is somewhat quiet during university holidays. The city has a public transport system with buses, trolleybuses and taxis. The Plaza San Martin square is considered to be the center of the city. Here you will find the Jesuit Cathedral, the colonial government house the Cabildo and the Jesuit Block. West of the city the famous holiday center Villa Carlos Paz is located near the San Roque dam which provides the city with potable water.

Travelers to Cordoba need a valid passport. American citizens don’t require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. The best time to visit the city is from March to May and August to November. These months the temperatures aren’t too high and there is little rain. Cordoba also provides outdoor possibilities in the Sierras mountains.