The gardens give life to the ruins that still stand.

Ruins of the San Jerónimo Convent

It is located on the Alameda de Santa Lucia and 1ª Calle Poniente, on the surroundings of La Antigua Guatemala. It is pretty wide, with a pleasant garden and the center of the main court still has the traditional fountain of that era.

It was born by initiative of the Order of La Merced in 1739, originally under the concept of the San Jerónimo School.

They got donated land and started the paperwork to obtain the construction permits, which ended in 1757.

Its walls are thick, built with rock, mortar, and some with brick finishes. Several hard blocks are still part of the memories in the rooms that evoke past times.

Location in La Antigua Guatemala Click here and go to the interactive map.

It was almost demolished since they did not have the permits known as the Royal License.

Approximately ten years after the construction was finished, in 1765, the place was used as the building for the Royal Income of Sales Tax and Royal Customs.

Earthquakes did their work and the building was affected. In 1767 a plan circulated in which they gave the idea of using it for a 150 horse stable, but there is no proof that this purpose was fulfilled.

The condition of the rest of the building did not matter, the rock from the walls was extracted to use it in other constructions.

The ruins are open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.