Overview:

San Javier Mission in Bolivia is an 18th century Spanish Jesuit mission located in the rural eastern portion of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Founded in 1746 by Father Andres de Cosas, it was the first Jesuit mission in the region and one of the most important Jesuit missions in the continent. Today, the mission is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Monument. The mission is noted for its Jesuit-style architecture, its beautiful stone facade, its vibrant scenery, and its historic value. San Javier mission is a popular tourist destination and attracts many visitors each year, especially during the traditional festivals of Corpus Christi in June and November. The mission offers guided tours and religious services to both the local community and visitors. Additionally, San Javier mission hosts art exhibitions, musical performances, and educational programs throughout the year. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

* It is a preserved Jesuit Mission located in the town of San Javier, Bolivia. * Constructed between 1691 and 1750 by the Jesuit order to serve the Chiquitano people. * The mission consists of ten churches in a wide range of styles and sizes, with the main church being the most impressive. * The churches feature distinctive, colorful murals and paintings, some of which are considered to be masterpieces of Baroque religious art. * The San Javier complex has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 in recognition of its unique blend of European and native South American building styles. * It is a popular tourist destination renowned for its cultural and spiritual relevance and offers visitors the opportunity to experience Bolivia’s colonial past. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

San Javier Mission was first established in 1691 by the Jesuits as a mission in the Gran Chaco region of the present-day northern Bolivia. The mission was established to work among the indigenous populations of the region and to convert them to Christianity. At the time, this mission was part of the Spanish Empire, and the Jesuits worked in close collaboration with the local authorities. The mission prospered for a number of years and was described as “a model village, decorous and well ordered”. It was renowned in the region for producing candles and other crafts which were sold by missionaries to other communities. In 1767, following a violent conflict between the Jesuits and the Governor of La Paz, the mission was abandoned and destroyed. After its abandonment, the land on which the mission was located was re-appropriated as an hacienda and the previous residents of the mission, mostly indigenous peoples, were relocated to another location in the province of Quillacollo. San Javier Mission was eventually re-established in 1793 and became a flourishing center of learning and culture. Here, natives practiced indigenous traditions and crafts, while also learning European languages, mathematics, and Catholic doctrine. In the mid-19th, the mission was destroyed once again in a battle between the independent forces of the Republic of Bolivia, and the Royalist armies of the Spanish Empire. The mission was left in ruins after the battle and remained largely abandoned until the late 20th century when it was completely renovated and restored. Today, the San Javier Mission is a vibrant and vibrant cultural center in the Bolivian countryside. Visitors can visit the mission to learn about its history and admire the restored architecture of its grand church. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. San Javier Mission is the oldest Jesuit mission in Bolivia, founded in 1691 by Jesuit Father Diego Messia. 2. The church of San Javier Mission was built in the 1750s using traditional Incan masonry techniques. 3. San Javier Mission is located near the town of Rurrenabaque in the Amazon rainforest region of Bolivia. 4. The mission played an important role in maintaining cordial relations between the Jesuit order and the local indigenous tribes in the area. 5. Mission San Javier is home to a large population of spider monkeys who often climb the trees near the church. 6. In 1993, San Javier Mission was declared a national historic landmark by the Bolivian government. 7. The mission is now a popular tourist attraction, with visitors from all over the world coming to marvel at its stunning architecture and rich history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.