Discover La Cruz

La Cruz, in the province of Corrientes, tells the story of the former Jesuit missions through visible traces across the town and places that convey their history in different ways. Among ruins, old walls, a church and historic objects, you can encounter the legacy of the former reductions. Those interested in this history can explore both the town itself and its exhibitions and individual historical traces.

Ruins and traces in the town centre

The relics, archaeological remains, anthropological elements and ruins of the former Jesuit missions in La Cruz have been declared cultural and historical heritage. The old Jesuit walls are also an important material testimony to the town’s past. Mission ruins can be visited at various locations in the town centre. A walk among them offers the chance to imagine the layout of one of the region’s most important mission settlements.

The individual traces take different forms: some, as remains and masonry, recall the former settlement, while others tell of everyday functions. These include the Luminarias, hollowed-out stone blocks used during the colonial period to light the streets with burning fat or tallow. They are considered especially distinctive symbols of La Cruz’s historical heritage. Today, they can be found at various historic sites around the town, particularly around the main square, and are part of the cultural and historical interpretation trail.

History at the interpretation centre

The Centro de Interpretación Jesuítico Guaraní explains what life was like in the former reductions. Its resources include exhibitions, audiovisual materials, historical reproductions and cultural heritage objects. Depictions of the former Jesuit town plan are also among its exhibits. The centre is designed as a starting point for a subsequent visit to La Cruz’s historic sites. You’ll find it opposite Plaza San Martín, on the corner of Belgrano and Zelmira Lucas de Soto.

The Museo Jesuítico in La Cruz offers a different perspective: it preserves a collection of historically valuable objects brought by the Jesuits. Those exploring the town’s history can view its exhibitions and collection alongside the material traces in the town centre. One tells of life in the former reductions through different forms of interpretation; the other preserves objects from the Jesuit period.

Church, image and sundial

The Iglesia Antigua is located in La Cruz and is also called Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Acaraguá y Mborore. The church lies on the Jesuit-Guaraní Corridor and houses an image of Our Lady of the Assumption, carved by Indigenous people during the Jesuit period. Celebrations held on 15 August in honour of La Cruz’s patron saint are associated with the church and conclude with a Mass.

Another prominent historic attraction is the sundial created by the Jesuits. It is more than five metres tall and bears a Latin inscription praising God. The sundial has survived repeated looting and fires. Its size and inscription make it a distinct testimony among the many historical traces preserved in La Cruz.

La Cruz as a starting point for planning your trip

La Cruz is located on National Route 14 and is directly connected to Santo Tomé, Paso de los Libres and other places in the region. When choosing a holiday rental, you can consider whether La Cruz itself, with its historic sites, should be the focus of your trip or whether you’d prefer to include it in a broader regional itinerary. The sites described offer a range of points of interest: ruins and walls throughout the town, the interpretation centre, the museum collection and individual objects such as the Luminarias and the sundial.

More places to discover: Yapeyú.

For the broader travel overview: Departamento San Martín.