Alta Gracia, meaning "High Grace", is a city located in southeast of the Cordoba province, in Argentina. Alta Gracia is built upon the Sierras Chicas, in a region that the Comechingones indians used to call "Paravachasca", because of its green vegetation.

History

In the 17th century Alta Gracia was as a big ranch operated by the Jesuits. Along with other ranches, including Caroya, Jesús María, Santa Catalina, La Candelaria y San Ignacio de los Ejercicios, Alta Gracia was founded to economically support the "Colegio Máximo ", one of Argentina's first universities, and other educational institutes that are now part of the "Manzana Jesuítica", an important center in Córdoba City. Alta Gracia's main economic activity during that period was agriculture.

Owners

• Don Juan Nieto, 1588.
• Alonso Nieto de Herrera, who named it after "Nuestra Señora de Alta Gracia".
• The Jesuits, donated to them by Alonso Nieto.
• Santiago de Liniers , 1810, who lived there for about 5 months.
• José Manuel Solares, 1868.

Attractions

Alta Gracia has a rich historical heritage. Some of the most imporant 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.

External links

• Official website (Spanish)