Convento de las Capuchinas, Antigua

Nestled between green courtyards and gardens, the well-preserved ruins of Antigua's largest convent, Convento de las Capuchinas, hide secrets of the early 18th century sisterhood that came from Madrid. In 1736, within a decade after their arrival, the Capuchin nuns built the convent, which they abandoned after an earthquake some 40 years later. Appreciate the architecture and ambiance of the restored bathing halls and nuns' cells set around a circular patio with a tower. Two of the cells illustrate cloistered life with mannequins. To best learn about the historical details--such as the water torture chambers surrounded by gardens--you have to hire a guide. The view of the surrounding landscape from the roof is memorable. A museum on the second floor displays art pieces and other period artifacts. See Convento de las Capuchinas and all Antigua has to offer by arranging your trip with our Antigua holiday planning site.