Santa Catalina (Jujuy)

Santa Catalina is a municipality in the province of Jujuy in the north- western Argentina, near the border with Bolivia. It is the capital of the departments of Santa Catalina, located on the Puna at an altitude of 3,770 meters and has 1,350 inhabitants (2001, INDEC ). Santa Catalina is accessible via the Ruta Provincial 5 of La Quiaca from. The distance to La Quiaca is 67 kilometers.

Climate

The climate is cold and dry with large temperature variations between day and night and low rainfall in the summer.

History

Santa Catalina is one of those places Mining the Puna of Jujuy in which originated in the 17th century and gained some importance. On September 8, 1752 town got its own parish, regardless of the in Cochinoca, to which it belonged until then. For parish area included the chapels of Rinconada and Talna.

Economy

Santa Catalina is a former Goldminenort. Even today, the gold wash in the river is possible in small, not industrially feasible quantity. As a major economic activity, the breeding of llamas, sheep and goats has been found for the inhabitants of the place, which are conducted primarily today. Moreover, peaches, apples and plums are grown.

Tourism

Except for a very simple hostel which is run by the community, there are no accommodation facilities. A Dining options missing in Santa Catalina.

Architecture and culture

• Iglesia de Santa Catalina (Plaza ). Together with the Saravia family house is the church of the 17th century, an architectural ensemble. The three-story, telescoping steeple rises above the entrance door and has ten meters, the same width as the church. The vestibule of the church is under the tower and opens rearwardly to 30 meter long nave. The ancient altars of the church have been replaced by new ones.

• Museo Regional Particular Epifanio Saravia. The museum is housed in the oldest house in the village. It belonged Laureano Saravia, a major provincial politicians end of the 19th century. In six rooms a collection of regional items from the life of the Spanish colonizers and the indigenous people shows how about old weapons, spear points, scales, clothing, musical instruments, furniture and gaucho accessories. At the Casa de Cultura next door, the collection is supplemented in four rooms with ceramics, photographs and religious art.

• Biblioteca Popular de Santa Catalina. The highest library Argentina with a literary treasure of about 7000 works was founded 130 years ago.

Festivals

• Virgen de chinchillas (August 15 ). The highlight of the annual festival calendar with procession and traditional music.