Argentina - Cachi, Iglesia de San José

The Iglesia de San José (San José Church) was built in mid 18th century as a private religious place for the Aramburu family, the former owners of the lands where it is now located. Later they gave it to serve as a church to the town.

The church has a typical colonial architecture with adobe walls on a pebble foundation. It does not have a tower, but the three bells are located in the upper part of the façade. The church underwent an important modification in 1890, when a neoclassical portico was added.

Inside there is an extensive nave 35 meters long and two transverse chapels very close to the main altar. The altar features traditional decorations; an image of Christ on polychrome is the fundamental piece. Much of the elements (beams, altar, confessionals) are made of cactus-wood.

Iglesia de San José is located at the historical town square Plaza 9 de Julio with the white painted town hall. The church was declared a National Historic Monument in 1945.