Iglesia de Molinos Molinos
A historic colonial church and town, a National Historic Monument on Ruta 40, offering a glimpse into Argentina's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Iglesia de Molinos Molinos
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic colonial church and town, a National Historic Monument on Ruta 40, offering a glimpse into Argentina's past.
"A beautiful, very pretty, well-preserved spot, both inside and out. Classic architecture of the area."
📸 Capture the Iconic View
Don't miss the classic postcard shot of the church from across the river. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Explore the Town
Dedicate time to wander Molinos' charming streets and soak in the atmosphere. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iglesia de San Pedro Nolasco
Molinos, Salta, Argentina
A stunning 18th-century colonial church, a National Historic Monument, beautifully preserved inside and out.
+1
Nicolás Severo Isasmendi's Tomb
Inside Iglesia de San Pedro Nolasco
The final resting place of a pivotal historical figure, the last royalist governor of the region.
Classic Molinos Postcard View
Across the river from the church
Capture the iconic view of the church and town, a quintessential image of Molinos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Molinos
Understanding Molinos' Historical Significance
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Iconic View
Don't miss the classic postcard shot of the church from across the river. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Explore the Town
Dedicate time to wander Molinos' charming streets and soak in the atmosphere. :walking:
🖼️ Admire Local Art
See the unique Stations of the Cross made from local cardon wood and textiles. :art:
🚗 Road Trip Stop
Perfect stop on the way to or from Cachi along Ruta 40. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Iconic View
Don't miss the classic postcard shot of the church from across the river. :camerawithflash:
🚶 Explore the Town
Dedicate time to wander Molinos' charming streets and soak in the atmosphere. :walking:
🖼️ Admire Local Art
See the unique Stations of the Cross made from local cardon wood and textiles. :art:
🚗 Road Trip Stop
Perfect stop on the way to or from Cachi along Ruta 40. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Iglesia de San Pedro Nolasco for its beauty, meticulous preservation, and historical significance, particularly the tomb of Nicolás Severo Isasmendi and the unique local art. Many find Molinos itself to be a charming, peaceful town worth exploring, especially as a stop on the Ruta 40. Some wish for more dining options within the town itself.
"A very old church (1692), beautiful and meticulously maintained. The original lintel at the entrance is preserved, and the body of a very important figure in the history of Molinos, Nicolás Severo Isasmendi, is located here. He was the last royalist governor of the region and commissioned the church."
Roberto Ferrari
"A beautiful, very pretty, well-preserved spot, both inside and out. Classic architecture of the area, it represents the classic postcard of Molinos, taken from the other side of the river (from the road), or from the church itself.
A must-see if there ever was one."
Facundo Castillo Mercado
"Unfortunately, we were passing through this beautiful town on our way to Cachi. We stopped at the church, a colonial building with relics worth seeing.
It's a place worth a day to explore, and even base yourself there and explore the surrounding area. Wonderful."
Roberto Medina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Molinos is located about 200 km from Salta capital, accessible via Ruta 40. The drive offers stunning landscapes and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Absolutely! Molinos is often considered a mandatory stop when traveling between Salta and Cachi, offering a unique historical and cultural experience.
The town is small and best explored on foot. For excursions to surrounding areas, a car is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to visit the church itself, though donations are appreciated.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or visit during peak tourist times for guaranteed access.
Yes, Molinos and its iconic Iglesia de San Pedro Nolasco are designated National Historic Monuments, highlighting their cultural importance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the tomb of Nicolás Severo Isasmendi, and the Stations of the Cross are uniquely crafted from local cardon wood and textiles by local artisans.
The church showcases classic colonial architecture of the region, with a preserved original lintel at the entrance, reflecting its historical significance.
Photography is usually permitted, but it's always respectful to ask if unsure and avoid flash photography that might disturb visitors or the sanctity of the place.
Visiting in the morning or late afternoon offers pleasant temperatures and softer light for photography, avoiding the harshest midday sun.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Molinos is a small town, you can find local eateries offering regional cuisine. For more options, consider dining in nearby towns like Cachi.
Expect traditional Argentine dishes, often featuring local ingredients. Some places might offer empanadas or regional stews.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic view of the church from across the river is a must. The church's facade and interior details are also highly photogenic.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful light for capturing the church and the town's charm.
While not explicitly stated, always be mindful of local regulations and respect private property and religious sites when flying drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and water, as dining options might be limited. The slower pace of Molinos can be a welcome change for families looking for a relaxed stop on a longer road trip. Encourage kids to look for the unique textures of the cardon wood art and imagine life in colonial times.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 The town offers a chance to break up a longer journey with a dose of history and local charm. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the church and its immediate surroundings. The iconic view of the church from across the river is a must-see photo opportunity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Heart: Iglesia de San Pedro Nolasco
Inside, the church holds the tomb of Isasmendi, a key figure in local history. A unique feature that draws particular admiration is the Stations of the Cross, which are not painted but intricately crafted from telar (textiles) and madera de cardón (cardon wood) by local artisans. This artistic detail adds a profound layer of cultural significance to the sacred space, making it a truly special place to experience.
Many visitors describe the church as representing the quintessential postcard image of Molinos, especially when viewed from across the river. It’s a place that evokes a sense of stepping back in time, offering a peaceful and historically resonant experience for all who visit.
Exploring Molinos: Beyond the Church
The town's location along the famous Ruta 40 makes it an easily accessible and worthwhile stop for travelers journeying between Salta and Cachi. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with landscapes described as 'parecen pintados' (look painted). This scenic route enhances the feeling of discovering a hidden gem, a 'secreto de la Ruta 40' (secret of Route 40).
For those interested in local culture and crafts, the unique textile and cardon wood artwork found within the church is a highlight. Beyond the church, the town provides a tranquil escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the slow pace of life in this historic Argentine settlement.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit