Outings and excursions · Carmelo
Calera de las Huérfanas: the Jesuit ruins of Carmelo
Photos: Fefo Bouvier / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A 1741 Jesuit estate, lime kilns and native woodland, where the history of the River Plate crosses paths with that of San Martín's father.
About 16 km from Carmelo, in the department of Colonia, stand the ruins of Calera de las Huérfanas, an estate founded by the Jesuits in 1741, also known as Estancia de Belén or del Río de las Vacas.
Its history
After the Jesuits were expelled, it was run between 1768 and 1777 by Juan de San Martín, father of Argentine liberator José de San Martín. Later, until 1837, its income supported a home for orphan girls, hence its name. It was declared a National Historic Monument in 1976.
What to see
- The remains of the church dedicated to the Virgin of Bethlehem.
- The old lime kilns that gave the place its name.
- Interpretive trails in native woodland and a visitor centre.
Tips
- Combine it with Carmelo, its swing bridge and the local wineries.
- Visiting hours: check before you go.
