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Convent of the Capuchins

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Landmark
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Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)

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The Convent of the Capuchins, officially named the Convento de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, was consecrated in 1736 and is one of the most structurally innovative ruins in Antigua Guatemala. Designed by the master architect Diego de Porres, it was the last convent for nuns to be established in the city. Its most famous feature is the 'Torre del Retiro' (Tower of Retreat), a unique circular courtyard surrounded by 18 monastic cells. Remarkably for the 18th century, each cell was equipped with its own private latrine and advanced drainage system, a rarity at the time. The convent was built with massive stone pillars and short arches specifically to withstand the region's frequent earthquakes. Despite these precautions, the 1773 Santa Marta earthquakes forced the order to abandon the complex. Today, the ruins are exceptionally well-preserved, offering visitors a clear view of the communal living spaces, beautiful gardens, and the ingenious colonial engineering.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C192122232322212121201919
Rain mm571241163225172223243191438

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Convent of the Capuchins in Antigua is a well-preserved ruin open to the public. Visitors can walk through the intact rooms and climb the unique circular tower.
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Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from 9am to 5pm. Hours may be reduced on holidays; check locally.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the convent. The circular tower gives great views over Antigua, well-suited for panoramas.
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Time needed
Exploring the convent takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Add 15 minutes if you climb the tower.
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Combine with
Combine with other ruins in Antigua like the Santa Clara Convent or the Cathedral of San José, all within walking distance.
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Getting there
The convent is located in the historic center of Antigua, easily walkable from the central park. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available.
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Insider tip
Visit in the late afternoon when the golden light enhances the ruins. The tower has a great vantage point for photographing nearby volcanoes.

Geography

Coordinates
14.55700, -90.72900

Facts

  • Consecrated in 1736 as the last convent built in the city
  • Designed by the renowned architect Diego de Porres
  • Features a unique circular tower with 18 cells
  • Included advanced private plumbing for each nun
  • Abandoned following the 1773 Santa Marta earthquakes
  • Considered one of the most intact ruins in Antigua

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Earthquake of 1773Earthquake of 1773<1 km · SExplore →
Casa K'ojom Music MuseumCasa K'ojom Music Museum2 km · SExplore →
IztapaIztapa3 km · NExplore →
Santiago SacatepéquezSantiago Sacatepéquez5 km · NExplore →
EscuintlaEscuintla6 km · SExplore →
Laguna LachuáLaguna Lachuá7 km · NExplore →
Mixco ViejoMixco Viejo7 km · NExplore →
Villa MaderoVilla Madero8 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Convent of the Capuchins (3)

Monasterio de Santo Domingo, Antigua Guatemala📍 landmark

Former Dominican monastery, now a hotel and museum with gardens and ruins.

Iglesia de San Francisco, Antigua Guatemala📍 landmark

Colonial-era Franciscan church, known for its facade and religious significance.

Iglesia y Convento de las Capuchinas, Antigua Guatemala📍 landmark

Capuchin nuns' convent with preserved cells and a round tower.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is unique about the Capuchin Convent?
The 'Tower of Nuns' with circularly arranged cells and a common sewage system.
Is the convent a ruin?
Yes, but it is one of the best-preserved ruins in Antigua and very well maintained.
Can weddings be held there?
Yes, parts of the ruins can be rented for private events and photo shoots.
What are the visiting hours?
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Where is the convent located in Antigua?
At the corner of 2a Avenida Norte and 2a Calle Oriente.
Convent of the Capuchins: where is it located?
Convent of the Capuchins is located in Guatemala.
Convent of the Capuchins: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monasterio de Santo Domingo, Antigua Guatemala, Iglesia de San Francisco, Antigua Guatemala, Iglesia y Convento de las Capuchinas, Antigua Guatemala.
Convent of the Capuchins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Convent of the Capuchins: why is it worth visiting?
The Convent of the Capuchins, officially named the Convento de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, was consecrated in 1736 and is one of the most structurally innovative ruins in Antigua Guatemala.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Santiago Sacatepéquez — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Santiago Sacatepéquez
Famous for its All Saints' Day festival featuring giant kites.
Sumpango — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Sumpango
Like its neighbor Santiago, famous for the All Saints' Day kite festival.

History & landmarks

San Francisco El Grande Church — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
San Francisco El Grande Church
One of the largest and oldest churches in Antigua, burial place of Saint Hermano Pedro.
La Merced Church — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
La Merced Church
An impressive baroque church in Antigua that withstood the 1773 earthquakes.
Finca Filadelfia Coffee Resort — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Finca Filadelfia Coffee Resort
One of the oldest and most famous coffee plantations in Guatemala, near Antigua.
Palace of the Captains General — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Palace of the Captains General
The former government headquarters of the Spanish colony in Antigua, now a cultural center.
Santa Catalina Arch — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Santa Catalina Arch
An iconic arch in Antigua, originally built to allow nuns from a convent to cross the street unseen.
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La Azotea Cultural Center
A cultural center near Antigua with museums on coffee, music, and Maya traditions.

More places

Santo Domingo Monastery — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Santo Domingo Monastery
The ruins of one of the largest monasteries in Antigua, now a hotel with a museum.
Earthquake of 1773 — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Earthquake of 1773
The series of earthquakes that destroyed the then-capital, Antigua Guatemala, leading to the founding of Guatemala City.
Antigua Coffee Plantations — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Antigua Coffee Plantations
Coffee slopes around Antigua with volcanic soil and cool mountain air.
Antigua Carmelite Convent — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Antigua Carmelite Convent
The ruins of another significant nunnery in the former capital.
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Finca El Pilar
A nature and hiking area near Antigua with cloud forest, birds, and volcano views.
Hill of the Cross — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Hill of the Cross
A hill with a cross north of Antigua, offering a famous viewpoint of the city.
Antigua City Hall Palace — Convent of the Capuchins (Guatemala)
Antigua City Hall Palace
The colonial city hall on Antigua's central square, now a museum.
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ChocoMuseo Antigua
A small family-friendly stop that showcases Guatemala's cacao and chocolate.