Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
known as
Las Teresas,
the complex consists of
the convents of San José and Santa Catalina
(located behind the Cathedral on Obispo Trejo),
as well as the Carmelite convent and chapel.
This was the birthplace of Córdoba's first local
poet, Fray Luis de Tejada (1604-1680). It has
been home to the cloistered nuns of the
Carmelite order since its founding in 1628 by
the poet's father Don Juan de Tejada, who
donated the property to the order. Fifteen years
earlier Fray Fernando de Trejo y Sanabria had
founded the
Santa Catalina Monastery
-
located behind the Cathedral one block up on
Obispo Trejo - with money donated by Don
Juan's wife, Doña Leonor de Tejada.
Take note of the baroque style of the entrance to
the convent. The ornate frieze above the gate-
way is reminiscent of the elaborate
peinetones
(combs) which were much in favor among the
aristocratic women of the period. Although the
chapel dates back to the 17th century, most of
the construction is from the 18th, when it was
substantially renovated. The woodwork is espe-
cially noteworthy. Be sure to take a close look at
the choir, a superb tribute to the skill of the
colonial (18th century) artisan. A life-size
statue of Santa Teresa de Jesús graces the
altar.
Most of the convent is, of course, closed to the
public. However, visitors can get an insight into
cloistered life at the
Juan de Tejeda Reli-
gious Arts Museum
in the pink-colored main
cloister. Several rooms have been decorated to
