Argentina 's second city, Cordoba is less frenetic than the capital to the south-east. At the heart of the wide northern part of the country, in colonial times the city rivalled Buenos Aires as the administrative and government centre.
In the 17th century Cordoba was arguably the more important of the two, and the architecture that survives from this period indicates the wealth and influence the city possessed. The colonial buildings of the historical quarter are the grandest found anywhere in Argentina , and have been preserved even as Cordoba 's political importance has declined. Highlights include the cathedral (built in 1574), the Cabildo (the town hall dating from1588) and Argentina 's oldest university .
Besides this rich history Cordoba also possesses several cultural institutions that count among the country's best. Most notable among them is the Marquis of Sobremonte Provincial History Museum ( Museo Histórico Provincial Marqués de Sobremonte ) whose 26 rooms contain a collection of artefacts from colonial and post-colonial days in the region. The city is also a centre for the performing arts - the San Martin Theatre is Argentina 's oldest, inaugurated in 1891. It still plays host to drama, dance and orchestral performances.
