History & Facts
Córdoba
Called the Heart of Argentina for its location in the center of the country, Córdoba has a strong colonial history blending with modern economic growth. Founded before Buenos Aires, Córdoba was the first capital of the country and is now Argentina's second most important city. Córdoba was founded on July the 6th, 1573 by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera, who named it after Córdoba, Spain. It was one of the first Spanish colonial capitals of the region that is now Argentina (older cities were Buenos Aires, founded in 1536; and Santiago del Estero, founded in 1553). The Universidad Nacional de Córdoba is the oldest university in Argentina. It was founded in 1613 by the Jesuit Order. The combination of its colonial past, modern buildings and its convenient location makes it a great destination for your trip!
Population: 3,066,801 (2001)
Language:
The official language in Argentina is Castellan Spanish although many people speak and understand English, especially in larger urban areas. Also due to the large immigrant population you can find colonies where Italian, German and French are spoken and understood.
Useful Information
Money and Types of Change:
The Argentine currency is the PESO and the coins are called CENTAVOS. The bills come in amounts of: 2,5,10,20,50,100 and the coins in amounts of 0.05,0.10,0.25,0.50,1.00
You can make change for your currency in most banks and any location that says "CAMBIO". Also services such as western union are available and most ATM machines accept international bank credit and debit cards.
Weekly schedules:
In Cordoba most businesses open around 9am and remain open until 6 or 7 pm Mon thru Fri. Some smalller retail businesses cloes for the "siesta" from 1.30 pm-3.30pm. On Saturdays most retail shops close at 1.30pm. Shopping malls and restaurants remain open both Sat. and Sun.
Most Argentines eat lunch between 1.30pm-3pm and dinner from 8.30pm-12 midnight.
Cordoba official tourism website:
www.cordobaturismo.gov.ar
Tourism information offices:
- Cabildo (old city hall) at San Martin square
- Obispo Mercadillo (bishop Mercadillo)
- Terminal de Ómnibus (bus station)
- Aeropuerto (airport)
- Buen Pastor (promenade)
Where to go in the city: VISIT OUR CITY SIGHTS SECTION
Where to go in the Hills: VISIT OUR SIERRAS/HILLS SECTION
