Córdoba - City of Churches

Córdoba Cathedral from Plazoleta Jerónimo Louis de Cabrera

Córdoba is Argentina's third largest city and is renowned for its historic architecture and large number of churches.

In the centre of Córdoba is the main Plaza of San Martín where the main Cathedral of Córdoba is located.

Córdoba Cathedral from Plaza San Martín

Around the square are many pedestrian streets lined with historic buildings such as the old Jesuit Collegium Maximum which is now part of the National University of Córdoba. 

The Jesuit Church of the company of Jesus, next to the University

Around the university are a series of tree-lined pedestrian walkways with many cafes frequented by the students. It's a great place to grab a coffee and people-watch.

One of the many pedestrian streets

All around the centre of the city are further examples of 17th Century architecture in the various churches and basilicas.

Church of San Francisco

Outside of the city centre there are other beautiful buildings from the 20th century such as the Church of the Sacred Heart - built in the '30s in a gothic style.

Church of the Sacred Heart

And the  Paseo del Buen Pastor - a former women's prison built in 1906 now converted into shops and restaurants. 

Coloured fountains set to music outside Paseo del Buen Pastor

Córdoba's 19th century train station is also an interesting architectural building - sadly, however the grand entrance hall was closed when I visited.

Córdoba train station(1835)

But it's not all architecture in Córdoba, the city shows of its natural beauty in the huge Sarmiento park in the centre of Córdoba which is a perfect place to get away from the city traffic.

The lake in Park Sarmiento

You can easily spend an afternoon by the tranquil lake after admiring all or the buildings in the bustle of Córdoba's city centre.