We rented a car today and headed North out of town to visit three Jesuit Estancias within close proximity to Cordoba - Caroya, Jesus Maria and Santa Catalina. After driving right past the touritica office in Caroya and taking a very scenic though unplanned detour we made it to our first estancia. Along with Alta Gracia, which we visited weeks ago and Candelaria, a little out of the way for our tour today, there are a total of 5 estancias in the province of Cordoba built in the 1600s to financially support the church and university in the city center. The four that we have visited are very similar and resemble convents or missions with a chapel, dormatories, and beautiful courtyards. Massively tall walls walls suround these compounds set on well maintained grounds. The estancia at Jesus Maria made wine, Caroya served as a country retreat and Santa Catalina specialized in mule raising. Santa Catalina is also the only estancia of the 5 that is privately owned, operated and enjoyed by a collection of 140 families. During the week they offer tours and on the weekends use the beautiful estate for retreats and gatherings. Set away from any town on a long dirt road, this one was definitely the largest and best maintained and our favorite.
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