La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná

The Jesuits founded 30 missions in what is now Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina in the 17th and 18th centuries. La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná was one of them. It was founded in 1706 and completed in 1712. These missions were established to convert the indigenous Guaran people to Christianity and to protect Spanish commercial interests in the region. In 1993, the UNESCO World Heritage List listed La Santisima Trinidad del Paraná, which is now an archaeological ruin. A plaza, main church and little church, belfry, college and cloister, houses, gardens, and workshops are all part of the well-preserved complex.

Despite its importance and acclaim, the mission was plagued by structural issues and was on the verge of collapsing. In 2004, La Santisima Trinidad was added to the World Monuments Watch list. With the help of American Express, WMF contributed to the preparation of a site management plan and provided conservation training linked to operations at the site. WMF's work in the region allowed the Guarani missions to be examined as a whole, and a full handbook was produced, allowing conservators to teach and advise other Guarani missions in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

The architecture, lifestyle, and culture of the areas in South America where the Jesuits lived were all revolutionized. The most ambitious of their towns is La Santisima Trinidad del Paraná, which was the last to be erected. It was built by the renowned Jesuit architect Jean Bautista Primoli and is in a better state than many others in the area.