Convento de San José (Ávila) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Convento de San José |
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Main facade by Francisco de Mora, the ornamental statue is by Giraldo di Merlo.
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Status | Monastery |
| Location | |
| Location | Ávila, Spain |
| Criteria | Cultural: (iii), (iv) |
| Designated | 1985 (9th session) |
| Parent listing | Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches |
| Reference no. | 348-003 |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| 11 May 1968 | |
| RI-51-0003796 | |
The Convento de San José (which means Convent of Saint Joseph) is a special monastery for nuns in Ávila, Spain. It is located just outside the old medieval city walls. This convent was the very first one started by Saint Teresa of Jesus. She began building it in 1562. The church part was added later, starting in 1607, after Saint Teresa had passed away. This convent is a significant place in the history of the Discalced Carmelite order.
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History of the Convent
The Convent of Saint Joseph is a monastery for Discalced Carmelite nuns. It is found in the Spanish city of Ávila. This was the first monastery founded by Saint Teresa of Jesus. She had help from important people, like the Bishop of Ávila, Alvaro Hurtado de Mendoza. He was later buried at the convent.
The main convent building was finished in 1562. However, the church, which is a very important part of the building, was started later in 1607. In 1963, Pope Paul VI sent a Cardinal to honor a special statue of Saint Joseph inside the convent.
Amazing Architecture
The church was designed by a famous architect named Francisco de Mora (1553-1610). He created a church with one main nave (the central part). This nave has a beautiful vaulted ceiling. There is also a dome built over the transept, which is the part that crosses the main nave.
The front of the church, called the main facade, has two main sections. It has a triangular top part called a pediment. At the bottom, there is a portico with three arches. This design became very popular. Many other religious buildings in the 1600s copied this style. It even became a model for other Discalced Carmelite buildings. Inside the church, you can find the Chapel of the Guillamas family. This chapel serves as their family crypt, a place where family members are buried.
Protecting This Special Place
The Convent of Saint Joseph has been protected by Spanish law since 1968. It was officially named a national monument then.
The convent is also part of a larger World Heritage Site. This site is called "Old Town of Ávila and its extra muros churches." When the site was first created, the convent was not included. But later, it was added to the protected area. It is listed as one of ten churches that are extra muros, meaning they are outside the walled city.
Today, the convent has a museum inside. It is called the Museo Teresiano. This museum is dedicated to Saint Teresa of Jesus. It tells her story and the history of the Discalced Carmelites.
See also
- Order of the Discalced Carmelites
- Convento de Santa Teresa (Ávila)
- Convento de la Encarnación (Ávila)
Images for kids
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Learn more about the Convento de San José for kids in Spanish! Convento de San José (Ávila) para niños
