Córdoba Cabildo facts for kids

A picture of the Córdoba Cabildo

The Córdoba Cabildo was like the town hall or main government building in Córdoba, Argentina a long time ago, when the country was still a colony. It was where important decisions were made for the city.

History of the Cabildo Building

When Córdoba was first settled in 1573, the local government leaders met in their own homes. The very first building for the government was started in 1588. It was a simple building made of adobe (a type of mud brick) with a thatched roof (a roof made of straw). In 1610, a new wooden building, designed by Alonso de Encinas, replaced this first one.

Building a Bigger Cabildo

The former bell tower

The building designed by Encinas had offices for the Alcalde (who was like the mayor), some living areas, and a small jail. In 1749, the mayor at the time, José Moyano Oscariz, decided they needed a bigger building.

In 1783, the Governor of Córdoba, Rafael Núñez, made finishing the new Cabildo a top priority. He hired Juan Manuel López to design the new building. This new design was much grander! It would have more office space, big steps, a chapel, a patio, and a beautiful front with fifteen columns and a covered walkway for shops.

The construction happened very quickly and was finished in 1786. A new walkway, called the Santa Catalina Promenade, was also opened between the Cabildo and the Córdoba Cathedral, which had just been built.

Changes Over Time

In 1885, the Cabildo got some fancy Marble on its outside and a bell tower. However, the bell tower was removed in the late 1930s during a restoration project. Many old buildings in Argentina were restored to look more like their original designs from the past.

The Córdoba Cabildo, along with the Cathedral, was declared a National Historic Monument in 1941. This means it's a very important historical site.

The city government moved out of the Cabildo in the late 1800s. They moved to a new building that looked like old European buildings. Later, in the 1960s, they moved to a modern building, which is where the city government is today.

The Cabildo Today

In 1980, the City Historical Museum opened inside the Cabildo. This museum helps people learn about the history of Córdoba.

See also

In Spanish: Cabildo de Córdoba para niños