Nuestra Señora de Loreto Jesuit ruins

An origin in the Guayrá and a move south

Loreto dates back to 1610 and was one of the first reductions of the Jesuit Province of Paraguay. It was born in the Guayrá region. Like San Ignacio, it moved south because of the attacks by the bandeirantes. Today it is in Candelaria department, near National Route 12, between Santa Ana and San Ignacio. The Jesuits were expelled from the Spanish dominions in 1767, and the towns fell into decline. Many were destroyed in the wars of 1817.

A Jesuit printing press

What most sets Loreto apart is the printing press that worked there. Works were printed in Spanish, Latin and Guaraní, including dictionaries and religious texts translated into indigenous languages. One of the oldest books printed there is the Instrucción práctica by Father Antonio Garriga, from around 1713. When you visit, keep in mind that Loreto was also a center of book production, not only of building.

What you see today among the vegetation

What remains are parts of the temple and the chapel, and walls of the square, among the vegetation that grew over the ruins. It is less well preserved than San Ignacio, so go without expecting complete buildings. As in the other missions, the model was a large central square surrounded by the church, the priests' residence, workshops and indigenous dwellings. Use that reference to place each remain. The site has a visitor center with a museum that helps you understand the town.

Part of a World Heritage site

Loreto is part of the site Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Miní, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa María la Mayor, in Argentina, and the ruins of São Miguel das Missões, in Brazil. São Miguel was inscribed in 1983 and the four Argentine missions joined in the 1984 extension. The four Argentine missions can be visited with the same ticket.

Getting there

Loreto is in Candelaria department, near National Route 12, between Santa Ana and San Ignacio. From Posadas, the distance is about 50 to 55 km. Since it is close to the route, it can be added to the same trip as Santa Ana and San Ignacio. Before you leave, check the hours: the sites open Monday to Sunday from 7:30 to 18:00, with visitors allowed to stay until 18:30, and the last guided visit leaves at 17:30.

Tips

• Confirm the hours before you go. They can change by season, and the last guided visit leaves at 17:30.
• Buy the ticket online at the official digital ticket office or at each site. It is valid for 15 days from purchase.
• Use the same ticket to add San Ignacio Miní, Santa Ana and Santa María la Mayor within its 15 days of validity.
• Visit the visitor center with a museum to understand the town before walking among the remains.
• If you want context for each remain, join a guided visit and arrive early enough for the last departure.