Overview:

: Santa Clara de Asis Convent is a Dominican Catholic convent located in the heart of Old Havana, Cuba. Founded in 1562, the convent is home to a community of nuns devoted to prayer and serving the spiritual well-being of the community. Inspiring a deep spiritual devotion, the convent houses the relics of Saint Clara, patron saint of the Dominican Republic, who lived and died in the convent in 1253. The convent was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 and remains an important centre of spiritual and religious importance in Mexico and the Caribbean. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

1. Magnificent Baroque Style Architecture: Santa Clara de Asis Convent is an exquisite example of Cuban Baroque-style architecture. Built in the 17th century, the convent is characterized by its striking façade, ornamental designs, domed bell towers, and large, stone columns. 2. National Monument Status: The convent is an officially recognized National Monument of Cuba, and has been protected by the Cuban government since 1978. 3. History and Cultural Significance: Santa Clara de Asis Convent was the first of its kind in Cuba, and is seen as a national symbol of the Cuban Catholic faith. It has also been the site of several important historical events, including a mass held by Pope John Paul II in 1998. 4. Cultural Events: The convent is also the venue for numerous cultural events, including music and theater performances. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Santa Clara de Asis Convent in Havana, Cuba was founded in 1590 by Sisters of the Order of Saint Clare. The convent was used by the sisters to retreat and pray, and to provide refuge to women and orphans. In 1650, the convent was used to house refugees after the English occupation of Havana. During this time, the convent was known for providing food and other services to the neighborhood inhabitants. The convent was also used for community gatherings and acts of philanthropy. For example, in 1790 the convent was used to host the Royal Court in Havana. The convent continued to be used in the late 19th century for events such as retreats from the Spanish-American War. After the war, it was used to shelter Cuban refugees fleeing the United States. During the 20th century, the convent underwent major renovations in the 1940s and 1950s. However, it was not until the 1990s that the convent was fully restored to its former glory with the help of the Cuban government and private donations. Today, the convent remains an important part of Cuban heritage and culture. It is open to the public and is used for performances, art exhibitions, and other cultural events. The convent is also known to be a popular tourist destination and a great place to take pictures. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. The monastery was founded in 1608 by Dominican friars, making it one of the oldest religious institutions in Cuba. 2. The main church of the monastery was originally built in the baroque style in 1638, but underwent renovation during the 19th century and was remodeled and painted in the classicist style in the 1800’s. 3. In 1980, UNESCO declared the Santa Clara Convents World Heritage Site. 4. The convent has preserved much of its original architecture, including its cloister, wherein one can observe its Cloister Renaissance style archway and two-level arches. 5. The convent resides within the walls of the National Museum of Cuban Art, and the museum hosts a wide array of exhibitions from 16th-century colonial art to contemporary painting and sculpture. 6. The monastery was occupied by the Cuban Revolutionary Army led by Fidel Castro during the Cuban revolution of 1959. 7. The convent is home to an ecclesiastical library that contains a 17th century manuscript that narrates a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the form of 82 letters telling the tales of travelers journeying through wars, attacks and pilgrimages. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.