Capuchin Convention Antigua
The Church and Convent of the Capuchin Sisters is one of the most interesting sights in Antigua Guatemala . It is one of the finest examples of an 18th century monastery in Guatemala.
history
In 1725 the construction of the originally planned "Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza" began after the first nuns had arrived from Spain. In 1731 the construction of the "Tower of Seclusion" (Torre de Retiro) began, which was completed in 1736 and blessed under Diego de Porre's supervision. As in the rest of the city, the two severe earthquakes in 1751 and 1773 caused severe damage to buildings and the convent was abandoned on behalf of the captain general.
Convention
The Capuchin Sisters (Las Capuchinas), a branch of the Franciscan order, did not arrive from Spain until 1725 and were subject to the strictest convent rules, which even limited contact with relatives to an absolute minimum. For admission to the monastery one did not ask for a dowry as large as usual, which meant that less well off women could also enter.
Specialty
The "Tower of Seclusion" (Torre de Retiro) by Diego Porres, completed in 1736, was unique in Antigua. 18 small cells are arranged around a circular patio, each with its own toilet with a water channel underneath. A narrow staircase leads to the also circular cellar vault, which the nuns use as a pantry because of its coolness.
Web links
Coordinates: 14 ° 33 '34.21 " N , 90 ° 43' 52.6" W.