Iglesia de San Francisco

What secrets do these weathered stones hold? Right here, in front of us, stands the Iglesia de San Francisco. The church has watched over Córdoba since 1813, but its story begins much earlier. The Franciscans, you see, were the first order to settle in Córdoba. They received this very plot of land from the city’s founder, Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera, way back in 1575. Imagine, the first chapel in this city stood on this very ground! Even the first school, where Father Juan de Rivadeneira taught the children of conquistadors, was here. The Iglesia de San Francisco we see today is actually the third church built on this site. The previous structures succumbed to the passage of time. But this one, designed by engineer Juan Manuel López, has endured. Look closely at its neoclassical facade. Notice the subtle Renaissance touches, especially around the dome. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a richly decorated interior. Don’t miss the Baroque choir stalls. They are adorned with intricate carvings made by indigenous hands. The paintings adorning the walls date back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, whispering tales of the city’s past. The Iglesia de San Francisco may seem understated at first glance, but it holds centuries of Córdoba’s history within its heart.