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Historical site · Carmelo, Colônia
Calera de las Huérfanas
Ruins of the Estancia de Belén, founded by the Jesuits in 1741, with the chapel, walls and the lime kilns that gave the place its name. A National Historic Monument, about 16 km from Carmelo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Calera de las Huérfanas
Calera de las Huérfanas preserves the ruins of the Estancia de Belén, established by the Companhia de Jesus in 1741 on the former Estancia del Río de las Vacas. At its peak the estancia covered about 140,000 hectares and brought together nearly 250 people. It produced lime, bricks, tiles, textiles, food and cattle products, using the labor of enslaved Africans.
After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, the estancia passed to the Spanish government of Buenos Aires. Between 1770 and 1774 it was administered by Juan de San Martín, father of the Argentine liberator José de San Martín. Later, the income from lime went to support a school for orphaned girls in Buenos Aires, which is the origin of the name.
Visitors walk through the chapel, the 19th-century walls and a trail to the large lime kilns, with wooden decks and a bridge. There is a visitor center with information about the site, maintained by a local association.
Declared a National Historic Monument in 1976, the Calera is part of the Camino de los Jesuitas da América do Sul.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours, including the trail to the kilns.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, avoiding the strong summer sun (December to March). After rain, the trail to the kilns can become muddy.
How to get there
It is about 16 km from Carmelo, at around km 241 on Ruta 21, via Camino Juan de San Martín. Access is by car or organized tour; there is no regular public transport to the site.
Tip
Combine the visit with Bodega Zubizarreta, next door on the same camino. Opening days and hours vary throughout the year; check before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Calera de las Huérfanas
What is the Calera de las Huérfanas?
They are the ruins of Estancia de Belén, founded by the Jesuits in 1741, with a chapel, walls and lime kilns. It is a National Historic Monument.
Why is it called Calera de las Huérfanas?
Calera comes from the lime kilns. After the expulsion of the Jesuits, the income from lime was used to support a school for orphan girls in Buenos Aires.
How far is it from Carmelo?
About 16 km, around km 241 on Ruta 21. With no regular transport, go by car, taxi or tour.
What is Calera's connection with San Martín?
Juan de San Martín, father of the liberator José de San Martín, managed the estancia between 1770 and 1774.