Paraguay

The Jesuit Missions

The Jesuit Missions or " Reducciones " functioned like small independant " republics " and lived in complete autonomy within the heart of the existing Spanish colonies. Founded at the turn of the XVII Century they functioned until 1768, date in which the Jesuits were returned to other Spanish colonies.

The " Society of Jesus ", made up of Jesuit Missionaries, had the role of converting the Guarani Indians to Christianity in the territories that comprised the " higher Paraguay ". The territory that today is known as Paraguay,Argentina and Brazil.

The Guaranis were quickly illustrated in making artistic creations, in particular the realization of splendid retables (altar-pieces) that included statues and sculptures out of wood or stone and in the manufacturing of tables, chairs, etc. Music and songs were extremely snuffed by the Guaranis Indians.

The manufacturing of bells and printed works also contributed to the propagation of the "Reducciones".

The one scourge, and for which there was little protection for the Guarani Indians, was the constant persecution by the " Bandeirantes " from Brazil who sought to reduce them to slavery.

Seven of the largest " Reducciones " are in Paraguay and two of them were declared " inheritance for Humanity " by UNESCO.

• San Ignacio Guazú
  Founded in 1610, presents today an interesting Museum of Religious art
• San Cosme Damian
  Founded in 1652, this " Reduccion " became in 1703 one of the principal centers devoted to the study of astronomy in the south american continent. Today, this place still shelters the last Jesuit college in operation and its church presents many examples of crowned images.
• Santa Maria de la Fe
  Founded in 1647, presents a museum and Guarani original dwellings
• Santiago
  Founded in 1651, it shelters a Jésuit museum
• Jesus del Tavarangue
  Founded in 1685 and declared Inheritance for Humanity in 1993. This "Reduccion" presents a restored church, workshops and Guarani dwellings now also in the course of restoration.
• Santa Rosa of Lima
  Founded in 1698, it presents a splendid historical district and a museum.
• Trinidad del Parana
  Certainly the most known in Paraguay, it is also the most complete. Founded in 1706 and declared Inheritance for Humanity in 1993, it is made up of a great central place surrounded by Guarani dwellings and of a significant church sheltering some priceless collectors items that are a splendid example of the Guarani Indian schooling.

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