Santa María la Mayor

Santa María la Mayor was a Jesuit mission whose remains now sit on a hillside near the Uruguay River. Stone walls, adobe structures, and water channels reveal how the settlement was organized and sustained itself.

Founded in 1626, the mission grew into an important center of learning and craft. It operated until 1767 when Spanish authorities expelled the Jesuit order from their colonial territories.

The place reveals how a community gathered around Jesuit teachings while maintaining its own language. Guarani remained spoken and written here, shaping daily life and religious practice.

The site sits within a protected natural reserve and can be explored with a guide. Bring sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain and changing weather conditions.

An early printing press operated here between 1722 and 1724, producing the country's first printed books. These works were published in multiple languages, including Guarani, and distributed across the region.

Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/275

GPS coordinates: -27.88971,-55.34470

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08