It is called 'Sisal' to the locals, but is better known as the Monastery of Saint Bernardino of Siena. It was the first church constructed on American soil and its size is imposing.
It is one of the most beautiful buildings of the colonial era. Construction was started in the year 1552, under the direction of the Franciscan Friar Juan de Mérida and Fathers Hernando de Guevara, Francisco de la Torre.
It was erected over the
vault of a very large cenote. You can still see some of the original paintings
behind the altar piece, as well as its ancient garden with its water
wheel.
Another amazing things about the monastery was created to be self sustaining.
The monks raised all their own food, they planted huge orchards and vegetable gardens and had fresh water from the cenote. The monastery was completed in 1560.
One note of interest is that the word for monastery and convent in Spanish is Convento.
On this street you can see the incredible colonial constructions which were built in the 1600's. This street has been admired by thousands and is a place where your imagination will return you to days goneby.
Valladolid, Yucatán, México. 15 de Enero de 2000. All Rights Reserved.