LA PERLA - Former Detention, Torture and Extermination Center

La Perla, located by the highway that goes from Cordoba city to Villa Carlos Paz, was opened from 1976 to 1978 by the Third Army Corps under the command of Luciano Benjamín Menéndez. It is estimated that 2,500 political prisoners were held there, and their destination is unknown as they "disappeared". Only a small group of people survived and were able to testify in the Federal Court trials that judged those responsible for State terrorism. The repressive network articulated La Perla with La Ribera Camp, the D2, police departments, military offices, penitentiaries and government offices in Córdoba and other provinces (10 in total) that were part of the so-called zone 3.

Between 1979 and 2007, the former Clandestine Detention, Torture and Extermination Center La Perla worked as a military garrison for the Exploration Squad of the Aero transportation Order 4 of the Third Army Corps. It was submitted to the Provincial Memory Commission (created by Law 9286 and voted unanimously by the Legislature, in 2006). It is open to the public as a Memorial Landmark from 2009.

This Memorial Landmark, conquered through the unwavering struggle of Human Rights organizations and the public policies of the Provincial State, oversaw through the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, proposes a journey that allows to understand how this clandestine center, the largest in the interior of the country, worked. The signage is based on the buildings as spatial references and suggests an order of itinerary based on the experience of the detainees - disappeared who were in captivity.

3d objects

Mockup: represents the property and the buildings where the former Clandestine Detention, Torture and Extermination Center operated, today «La Perla» Space for the Memory and Promotion of Human Rights.

Coat: Poster for the presentation of the Sala Pequeñas y Grandes Rebeldías. This room shows the multiplicity of social, cultural and political experiences carried out by the young people of the 60s and 70s; looking from there for new questions about our present.

Aljibe: It was built after the operation of this place as a clandestine center, when it was the 4th Airborne Cavalry Exploration Squadron of the III Army Corps. It appears in the photographic records made by the Córdoba delegation of CONADEP during its visit to this place in February 1984.

Chair: «To those who have left an empty space, our commitment for Memory, Truth and Justice». Tribute to the victims of State terrorism on the 40th anniversary of the Military Civic Coup at the National University of Córdoba, March 2016.

Doors: Artistic intervention of 37 original doors from the barracks to 37 years of the military civic coup. Poetic references: Doors in situation, doors that take position, doors of justice, of rights, of collective freedoms strengthened by common struggles and achievements that enhance our present.

Flower pots: Resistance Courtyard.

Even in the abyss, we flourish: Arms will come out of cacti, always, again and again. At any time that is necessary. So they are cut and missed. Left aside, placed on one side with just the minimum water, food and sun, the rigor of time and of a time period. They are arms to heaven to the delivery of flowers with aromas, shapes and amazing colors. Made brothers and sisters of what surrounds them, called even today, to continue witnessing the possible horizon of these plains of our memories.

How to get there

From Cordoba city, by car, take National Route 20 to KM12, Malagueño.

From the Bus Station (located at 380 Peron Bv., the bus company Grupo Sarmiento, offers transportation up to “La Perla”, regular rides:
- Córdoba – Alta Gracia (through Falda del Carmen).
- Córdoba - Malagueño - Villa Carlos Paz.

In this case, buy tickets to “La Perla”, located on the side road of the highway. Visitors must cross highway 20 to access the premise of this Memorial Landmark, Former Clandestine Center “La Perla”.

We recommend checking bus times and buy tickets in advance at: www.gruposarmiento.com.ar or call: 351 - 4212472

Business Hours

  • Open throughout the year, except in the month of January.
  • Tuesday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
  • Free access.

Contact information

  • Phone: (+54) 0351 498-5494
  • Whatsapp: (+54) 0351 8747522
  • Website: www.apm.gov.ar
  • Social Media: Facebook: @espacio.laperla,   Twitter and Instagram: @espaciosmemoriacordoba

Available Services

  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Wheelchair Access: Ramps, restrooms for people with disabilities.
  • WiFi: Yes
  • Guided Tours: Yes – Educational tours are offered to institutions and public in general. Reservations are required for groups.
  • Atención de salud: Ubicado a 4 km. Hospital de Malagueño, dirección: Santa Fe esq. Mendoza, 5101 Malagueño, Córdoba.
  • Bar/coffee shop: No
  • ATM: No ATM in the building. The nearest one is a Link-Banco de Cordoba ATM 2.5 miles away.