Croats Built Córdoba; Their Footprint Lives on Today

From Posušje in Herzegovina and coastal Bribir to Córdoba in Argentina – Croatian stonemasons have left an indelible mark on one of Argentina's largest cities. The landmarks that are symbols of Córdoba today were shaped by their hands, and nearly a century later, their descendants continue the family tradition and preserve the connection with Croatia.

Their exceptional story is brought to us by the series "Our People, Their Places," in which Matija Jerković guides us along the tracks of Croatian emigrants in South America.

From the Croatian Karst to Argentine Landmarks

During the 1920s, numerous Croatian stonemasons arrived in Córdoba, Argentina, in search of work and a better life. Most of them came from Herzegovina and the Croatian Littoral, especially from Bribir.

The knowledge they brought from their homeland quickly became highly valued. They processed stone from nearby quarries, built houses, schools, and public buildings, and participated in the creation of some of the city's most famous landmarks.

Among them was Tadija Bago from Posušje, whose great-grandson Agustín Negrete continues the family business today.

"I am grateful and happy to have such ancestors, who passed down the stonemasonry craft to us and instilled a love for stone, both in me personally and in our entire family," Agustín points out.

Symbols of Córdoba Built by Croatian Hands

One of the greatest undertakings of the Croatian stonemasons was the construction of the stone channel of La Cañada, following a catastrophic flood in 1939. Their work helped protect the city from new floods, and the stone walls still bear witness to their exceptional building skill today.

Croatian masters also participated in the construction of the famous Arch of Córdoba, one of the city's symbols. It is particularly interesting that the coats of arms of the Argentine provinces on that structure were carved precisely by a Croat.

"What my grandfather and his colleagues did left a great mark on the city and the entire province," Agustín speaks proudly.

Generations Pass, the Love for Croatia Remains

Although nearly four generations have passed since the arrival of the first Croatian stonemasons, their descendants strive to preserve their Croatian identity.

Cristian Šprljan, an active member of the Croatian community in Córdoba, emphasizes how important it is to maintain a connection with the homeland of their ancestors.

"We, who were mostly born here in Córdoba, put a lot of effort into preserving our identity. We want to feel like a part of Croatia, because we are," Cristian says.

A special link between Croatia and Córdoba is also represented by Saint Jerome, born in Dalmatia, who is the patron saint of that Argentine city.

Córdoba Gathers the Croats of South America Once Again

The Croatian community in Córdoba is also preparing the Meeting of the Croatian Diaspora of South America, which will gather descendants of Croatian emigrants from various countries across the continent.

For the hosts, this is much more than an ordinary gathering.

"Just imagining that one day we will have Croatia here in Córdoba… For us, it is a dream come true," says Cristian Šprljan.

The story of the Croatian stonemasons is thus not only a testimony to the people who built the Argentine city with their own hands. It is also a story about generations that managed to preserve what is most valuable far from their homeland – their roots.

Because the stone that the Croatian emigrants built into Córdoba still stands today, just like the connection of their descendants with Croatia.