Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
required both a water supply and the presence
of friendly Indians, who would supply the colo-
nists' need for labor. While the Suquía River
easily filled the first requirement, the
Comechingón Indians fulfilled the second,
quickly becoming a labor force for raising sheep
and mules as well as for agriculture. Cabrera
belonged to the wave of Spaniards who crossed
into Argentina from Peru and Chile via Inca
trade routes to establish settlements in the
northwestern corner of the country. The most
noteworthy, Santiago del Estero, founded by
Francisco de Aguirre in 1553, was the starting
point for Cabrera's journey. His intention was
to establish a settlement linking the trade
routes of Alto Peru, El Cuyo and Buenos Aires.
Indeed, by 1650 Córdoba had displaced Santi-
ago del Estero as the nation's major urban cen-
ter.
Religion and academics figure strongly in
Córdoba's history. Shortly after the city's
founding several religious orders established
themselves there, hence earning her the nick-
name of “the city of churches.” (You'll visit
many of these as you tour the colonial district.)
Chief among them were the Jesuits, the Fran-
ciscans and the Carmelite Sisters.
Did You Know?
Córdoba was one of the most important
Jesuit centers in South America until
they were expelled by Spain in 1767.
