"San Francisco Solano" Museum of Sacred Art

Avellaneda 716
Tel. 085-211548
Open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 to 12a.m. and from 5:30 to 8p.m. Saturdays from 8:30 to 12a.m.

This museum was founded in 1969 and its 4 exhibition halls harbor unique pieces such as the cell and chapel used by San (Saint) Francisco Solano, that were rebuilt on the foundations of the original construction in 1769. There is an image of San Francisco Solano made in Peru, which is a replica of the first one made when he was canonized in 1726. It is made from the wood of the ceibo, a typical American tree. A fragment of San Francisco´s skull is kept in a tabernacle inlaid with precious stones. The museum also houses images that belonged to the first pulpit in Santiago del Estero, and the wrought iron cross that belonged to the first chapel of Belén run by the Jesuits. There are also images of Christ that were found in places where satanic cults were practiced.

Santiago del Estero
This is the oldest surviving city founded by the Spaniards. It is located on the river Dulce, 1,042km. away from the city of Buenos Aires, on national route No. 9 and 187m. above sea level. In addition to its museums, one can also visit its cathedral, the first diocese in the country dating back to 1876, Libertad Park, Aguirre Park, the Convent of Santo Domingo where the Holy Sheet is exhibited, and the Church of La Merced.