Santa Maria combines a historic plaza with a textile tradition and sacred art from the 17th and 18th centuries. Plaza Mariscal Estigarribia follows a historic Jesuit urban plan; at the Taller de la Hermandad, fabric scraps are embroidered with colorful scenes from rural Misiones. The Museo Diocesano and Ykua Teja add sacred art and a historic water source to the picture. Local history, craftsmanship, and nature thus stand out as distinct points of interest. These differences may help you decide on your trip: would you like to focus primarily on a historic townscape, a textile tradition, or sacred art?

Plaza Mariscal Estigarribia

In the center of Santa María de Fé, Plaza Mariscal Estigarribia follows the historic Jesuit urban plan. Around it are the church, the former Indigenous house, now used as a museum, and other buildings from the colonial period. The surrounding buildings shape the plaza’s historic character. The plaza covers slightly more than one hectare and is completely shaded by lush native trees. The description particularly highlights their brilliant colors in spring. You can stroll around the plaza, enjoy nature, and relax. A SENATUR report also described the plaza as home to around nine monkeys that had become accustomed to people, and reported on the care provided by local residents.

Crafts and sacred collection

At the Taller de la Hermandad, women artisans from Santa María de Fe maintain a textile tradition that has existed for more than four decades. They embroider fabric scraps with colorful figures depicting stories and scenes from rural Misiones. The Museo Diocesano in Santa María has a different focus: it holds sacred artworks from the 17th and 18th centuries that reflect the Jesuits’ influence on the Guaraní. The distinction is clear: on one side are embroidered fabrics with rural motifs; on the other, religious art with historical significance.

Ykua Teja: history and relaxation

Ykua Teja is a water source used by the Jesuits during the reductions in the 17th century. This differs from the plaza: there, the Jesuit connection relates to the urban plan, while at Ykua Teja it relates to the use of a specific spring. In 2021, a person responsible for Ykua Teja reported that locals and tourists visited the site daily for recreation at that time.

Kurusu Cerro: a pilgrimage nearby

Kurusu Cerro lies about 15 kilometers from the town center. A 2013 report described a pilgrimage to its summit that had already been taking place for more than 70 years at the time. The cross was venerated from Maundy Thursday onward; the report cited around 5,000 participants. If the pilgrimage is a key factor in planning your trip, check the current event dates before making plans.

Discover more destinations: San Ignacio, Villa Florida.

Return to the main travel overview: Departamento Misiones.