Alta Gracia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alta Gracia
City
Alta Gracia Location in Argentina
Country	Argentina
Province	Córdoba
Department	Santa María
Elevation	553 m (1,814 ft)
Population  (2010 census)
• Total	48,140
Time zone	UTC−3 (ART)
CPA base	X5186
Dialing code	+54 3547
Website	Official website: http://www.altagracia.gov.ar/

Alta Gracia is a city in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. Its name means "High Grace" in Spanish. The city is built on the Sierras Chicas mountains. This area was once called Paravachasca by the Comechingón people. About 43,000 people lived here in 2001.

History of Alta Gracia

Early Days and Jesuit Influence

In the 17th century, Alta Gracia was a big farm called an estancia. It was run by the Jesuits, a group of Catholic priests. The land was first owned by Don Juan Nieto in 1588. He started building houses and farms in the area.

The Jesuits used Alta Gracia and other large farms to support their main school. This school was called the Collegium Maximum. It later became the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, one of Argentina's first universities.

World Heritage Site

Today, the main Jesuit buildings in Córdoba City are known as the Manzana Jesuítica (Jesuit Block). This block, along with the Jesuit farms like Alta Gracia, is very important. In 2000, the Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means they are special places that should be protected for everyone to see.

Who Owned Alta Gracia?

Over the years, Alta Gracia had several owners:

• Don Juan Nieto: He first owned the land in 1588.
• Alonso Nieto de Herrera: He named the place "Nuestra Señora de Alta Gracia" (Our Lady of High Grace).
• The Society of Jesus: Alonso Nieto gave the farm to the Jesuits.
• Santiago de Liniers: He owned it in 1810 and lived there for about five months.
• José Manuel Solares: He was the last owner in 1868. In his will, he turned the farm into a village called La Merced. He gave parts of the land to his workers. He asked them to care for the Tajamar and honor the Virgin Mary. This Virgin is known as Nuestra Señora de la Merced. Every year on September 24, Alta Gracia celebrates a special feast day for her.

Main Sights to See

Alta Gracia has many interesting places to visit:

Alta Gracia clock tower and memorial

• The Museum of Santiago de Liniers: Learn about one of the former owners of the estancia.
• El Tajamar: This is a lake that people made a long time ago.
• El Obraje: A workshop where the Jesuits taught many local people different skills and crafts.
• The Sierras Hotel: A famous hotel that even John F. Kennedy once visited.
• Che Guevara's House: The house where the revolutionary Che Guevara used to live. It is now a museum.
• Manuel de Falla's Museum: A museum dedicated to the Spanish musician and composer.
• Gabriel Dubois Art Museum: See beautiful artworks at this museum.
• Railroad Outdoor Museum: Explore old trains and railway history outside.
• Lourdes Virgin's Sanctuary: A copy of the famous sanctuary in France.
• Public Clock Tower: This tower is a monument celebrating Alta Gracia's 350th anniversary. It now serves as an information office.

Famous People from Alta Gracia

• Manuel de Falla: A Spanish musician and composer. He lived in Alta Gracia from 1942 until he passed away.
• Ernesto "Che" Guevara: He spent 12 years of his childhood in Alta Gracia, from 1932 to 1944. He later moved to Buenos Aires to study medicine. His former home is now a museum.

Gallery

See also

In Spanish: Alta Gracia para niños