The history of this region of the province of Córdoba is directly related to the figure of the priest José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, known as the “Cura Gaucho”. Starting in 1869, Brochero carried out intense pastoral and social work in the region, promoting the construction of churches, schools and roads, and encouraging agricultural and educational development. His most emblematic work was the construction of the House of Spiritual Practices in 1877, which today houses the Brocheriano Museum.

José Gabriel Brochero arrived at Traslasierra in December 1869, after walking for three days in the hills of Córdoba. Staying in the place, he provided religious service and even went beyond: he tried to give dignity back to the residents of the region. He achieved the construction of important roads and infrastructure which are still relevant today, and he even managed to extend the railway lines, which meant that the people of the region did not have to travel to the capital of Córdoba, among many other things. His visionary work left an impact that contributed profoundly to the development of the hills region, particularly in the rural areas he served. But, above all, he left a cultural, spiritual and social legacy.

He died on January 26, 1914, but in recognition of his legacy, on January 28, 1916, the town was renamed Villa Cura Brochero in his honor. Since then, the village has established itself as an important center of pilgrimage and tourism in Valle de Traslasierra.

On October 16, 2016, the already well-known Cura Brochero was canonized by Pope Francis, making Saint José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero the first Argentine saint born, raised and consecrated in the country.