A village and colonial character
Santa Cruz is located in the east of the country and is the largest city in Bolivia. Until the 19th century, Santa Cruz supplied cotton, rice, sugar and fruit to the Spanish colonies and was a prosperous city. It was not until the 1950s, due to better accessibility, that the economy flourished again through agriculture. Today, Santa Cruz is considered the most modern, dynamic and energetic city in Bolivia. Despite this, the centre still has a clear village and colonial character here and there. With the cathedral from the 16th century, the prefecture and the old town hall around the main square, the Plaza 24 de Septiembre.
East of Santa Cruz are the Jesuit missions of the Chiquitos. Around the 17th century, Jesuits moved into the Bolivian hinterland from Paraguay. There they gathered the Indians in settlements. The Jesuits led the community and brought the Indians Christianity. The moment the Indians were convinced of their new faith, the construction of a church began in the mission post. These churches show the interpretation of Christianity by the Indians. The mission posts are located in six villages: San Francisco Javier, Concepción, Santa Ana, San Miguel, San Rafael and San José de Chiquitos.