Iglesia Osterwick
The first Mennonite church in South America, opened in 1932 while the guns of the Battle of Boquerón could be heard.
What it is
In the village of Osterwick, in the Menno Colony, stands the first Mennonite church in South America. It was inaugurated on 9 September 1932 and has been restored so that visitors can glimpse the spirit and daily life of the first settlers. The congregation is still active, so this is a living church and not just a monument.
What to see and do
- First Mennonite church in South America
- Restored building
- Chaco War context
Did you know…?
It opened in 1932, the same year the Chaco War broke out.
It is still used by its congregation.
History
According to the SENATUR listing, at the inauguration ceremony the sky was clear and the first shots of the Battle of Boquerón could be heard in the distance. The Mennonites, who had sought to withdraw from the world, found themselves in a war zone only five years after settling in the Chaco.
Tips
- It is a place of worship: avoid visiting during services and check first with the museum or the Loma Plata tourism office.
- Combine it with the Loma Plata museums.
Check hours and visiting conditions before you go.
Best time: Year-round.
Activities
Festivals and events here
Nearby
Loma Plata · Boquerón
Loma Plata (Colonia Menno)
The oldest Mennonite colony in the Chaco and home of its big livestock fairs.
Loma Plata · Boquerón
Museo Histórico y Heimatmuseum de Loma Plata
The Menno Colony museum tells of the first settlers' arrival in 1927 and their coexistence with Indigenous communities.
Filadelfia · Boquerón
Fortín Trébol
A park and cemetery for fallen Chaco War soldiers, about 5 km from Filadelfia; it supported Fortín Toledo's right flank.
Filadelfia (desvío a Filadelfia) · Boquerón
Centro de Interpretación del Gran Chaco Americano (CIGCHA)
The best introduction to the Chaco: history, wildlife and Indigenous peoples in a bioclimatic building ringed by samu'u trees, with SENATUR tourist information.
Filadelfia · Boquerón
Museo al aire libre Ruedas Pioneras
A park at Filadelfia's east entrance with the settlers' first vehicles: the "Laurita" locomotive, the Mennonite cart and more.
Filadelfia · Boquerón
Museo Industrial de Filadelfia
Agricultural and industrial machinery inside the Fernheim plant, with the 1957 refinery building as its centrepiece.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.