Showing 1-12 of 12 results
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Archaeology & Paleontology Museum
The free university-run Archaeology & Paleontology Museum provides a good overview of the prehistoric creatures and the early peoples that once inhabited the Tarija area.
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Basílica de San Francisco
Basílica de San Francisco was founded in 1606 and is now a national monument. The 16th-century convent library and archives, which may conjure up images from The Name of the Rose, may be used only by researchers with permission from the Franciscan order. Inside the basilica, the free Museo Franciscano Frey Francisco Miguel Mari displays ecumenical painting, sculpture and artifacts.
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Bodega La Concepción
Bodega La Concepción, the region's best, exports and promotes its vintages as the 'world's highest wines'. La Concepción is worth a visit for oenophiles. It's 25km south of Tarija, just before the village of Concepción.
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Campos de Solana/Casa Real
The most modern winery is Campos de Solana/Casa Real, with little atmosphere, but big vaults of wine.
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Casa Dorada (Casa de Cultura)
The Gilded House dates back to 1930, when it was one of the several properties of the wealthy Tarija landowner Moisés Navajas (often described as Bolivia's Teddy Roosevelt) and his wife, Esperanza Morales. The building appears imposing and impressive on tourist brochures, but in reality the exterior is sloppily splashed with gold and silver paint, and the roof is topped with a row of liberating angels. The interior is done with equally poor skill.
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Casa Vieja
The best patero (foot-stamped) wine, is at Casa Vieja. Its atmospheric Bodega Casa Vieja (admission free; photo permission around US$1 ) is in the village of Concepción, about 30km from Tarija. You can have a reasonably priced lunch in its lovely restaurant decorated with adobe arches, large fish heads and hanging plant pots, and hosting traditional Chaco dances during the Carnaval. Check at the Tarija office for updates on opening times.
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Castillo de Moisés Navajas
The exterior of this oddly prominent and deteriorating private mansion is worth a look for its garish extravagance. It's still inhabited but is occasionally open for informal tours. Check at the tourist office.
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Cathedral
The rather dull-looking cathedral contains the remains of prominent Chapacos, including Tarija's founder, Don Luis de Fuentes y Vargas. It was constructed in 1611 and expanded and embellished in 1925 and has some vaguely interesting stained glass depicting harvest scenes.
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Iglesia de San Juan
Iglesia de San Juan, was constructed in 1632. Here the Spanish signed their surrender to the liberation army after the Batalla de la Tablada. The garden serves as a mirador (lookout) of Tarija and its dramatic backdrop of brown mountains.
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Iglesia de San Roque
Architecturally, Tarija's most unusual church and major landmark is the bright, white 1887 Iglesia de San Roque . Dedicated to the city's patron saint, the church sits on the hill at the end of General Bernardo Trigo, lording over town. Its balcony once served as a lookout post.
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Kohlberg
The oldest winery is the ubiquitous Kohlberg . Both Kohlberg and Casa Real are in Santa Ana, 17km southeast of Tarija via an indirect route that passes the Campos de Solana bodega.
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Mirador Loma de San Juan
This park area above the tree-covered slopes of San Juan hill provides a grand city view and is a favorite with smooching students. Climb uphill to the end of Calle Bolívar, then turn right behind the hill and follow the footpath up the slope that faces away from the city.
Showing 1-12 of 12 results
