Cathedral of Córdoba

The oldest church in continuous service in Argentina sits on the west side of Plaza San Martín. Begun in 1577 and finished in 1758, it shows the slow accretion of styles you would expect of a 200-year project — a Romanesque-leaning base, Baroque flourishes, neoclassical statuary out front, and a notable dome above.

Inside, the gilded altarpiece and the angels with indigenous Andean features in the ceiling frescoes by Emilio Caraffa are the highlights. The cathedral also holds the remains of several colonial bishops and the patriot José María Paz. Entry is free; modest dress expected.

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A story
Construction dragged on for nearly 200 years from 1577, passing through Jesuit, Franciscan, and finally lay architects. The dome was raised by a Franciscan friar who had never seen one in person and worked from drawings; he got the proportions startlingly right.