Alta Gracia is a city located in the north-centre of the province of Córdoba, Argentina.

Under the terms of his encomienda, Nieto began promoting the building of houses, ranches and stone pens.

The Jesuits used Alta Gracia, along with other ranches, including Colonia Caroya, Jesús María, Santa Catalina, La Candelaria, and San Ignacio de los Ejercicios, to support the Collegium Maximum or "Colegio Máximo", one of Argentina's first universities (Universitas Cortuba Tucumanæ) today: Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.

Together with other educational institutes, it is now part of the Manzana Jesuítica ("Jesuit Block"), an important center in Córdoba City.

The Jesuit Block and Estancias of Córdoba were named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.