A Jesuit Reduction was a type of settlement for indigenous people in Latin America created by the Jesuit Order during the 17th and 18th centuries. In general, the strategy of the Spanish and Portuguese Empires was to gather native populations into centers called Indian Reductions (reducciones de indios), in order to Christianize, tax, and govern them more efficiently. The Jesuit interpretation of this strategy was implemented primarily in an area that corresponds to modern day Paraguay amongst the Tupi-Guarani peoples. Later reductions were extended into areas now part of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia.
Jesuit reductions were different from the reductions in other regions because the indigenous people (Indians) were expected to convert to Christianity but not necessarily European culture.[1]Under the leadership of both the Jesuits and native caciques, the reductions achieved a high degree of autonomy within the Spanish and Portuguese colonial empires. With the use of Indian labour, the reductions became economically successful. When their existence was threatened by the incursions of Bandeirante slave traders, Indian militia were created that fought effectively against the colonists.[1] The resistance by the Jesuit reductions to slave raids, as well as their high degree of autonomy and economic success, have been cited as contributing factors to the expulsion of the Jesuits from the Americas in 1767.[2] The Jesuit reductions present a controversial chapter of the evangelisational history of the Americas, and are variously described as jungle utopias or as theocratic regimes of terror.[1]
"The Jesuit World" is the route that allows us getting to know the history of Jesuits in this region, the foundation of the Jesuitical Province of Paraguay, the attempt to evangelize the natives by these brave priests, and their struggle to protect them from slavery. The visits to the remaining archeological sites take us to relive the heroic acts of these players, be it from the native's point of view, perhaps his only option for survival to the frantic colonization, or from the point of view of the Jesuit, a cultured and intelligent man giving—very often—his life for a cause.
This route may be taken by those groups or individuals wishing to delve deeper into this history, like students, religious people, etc., or combined with another interest like adventure itineraries, ecotourism, ranches, etc.
Declared Patrimony of Humanity in 1993 by UNESCO.
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