Church and Convent of San Francisco

25 de Mayo between Obispo Bazán and Bustos streets
Tel. 0822-27310
Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 to 12a.m.

The convent has a cell that was occupied by Saint Francisco Solano during the 16th century, and also harbors the image of the Infant Mayor that is walked down the town streets in a religious procession held every December 31st when the festivity of 'Tinkunako' ('gathering' in Quechua ) is celebrated. This gathering or 'Tinkunako' celebrates the encounter of the infant and St. Nicholas of Bari. The church altar has a plate portraying Saint Francis playing the violin while the Indians sit and listen and some wild animals, amongst them some 'guanacos', move nearer to listen to the music as well. Amongst its most valuable images there is an articulated Christ that lived through all the earthquakes that hit La Rioja, and is carried down the city streets in the procession held every Holy Friday. There are two images of Spanish origin designed to be dressed, one of which represents St. John while the other is an image of Our Lady of Sorrows.

La Rioja
The city of La Rioja, capital of the province with the same name, lies at the foot of the Sierra de Velasco. The characteristic features of a Spanish colonial city blend with an active and lively commercial center. It is located 1,167km. away from the city of Buenos Aires and lies 500m. above sea level. To reach this city one must travel down national route No. 9 up to the city of Córdoba and then take national route No. 38.