Convent of Saint Joseph, Discalced Carmelite convent in Ávila, Spain.
The Discalced Carmelite convent is a single-nave church with a vaulted ceiling and dome over the transept, featuring a main facade with three arches and a white marble statue. The complex includes multiple chapels and a cloister that preserve the original character of the site.
The convent was founded in 1562 by Saint Teresa of Jesus, marking the first foundation of the reformed Discalced Carmelite Order in Spain. This establishment had far-reaching effects on the Catholic Church and monastic movement in the region.
The museum within the convent displays objects and documents that trace Saint Teresa's spiritual journey and her religious reform movement. Visitors can follow the holy woman's personal story through her possessions and writings.
The convent sits outside the medieval walls yet remains close to the city center, making it easy to reach on foot. Access to the complex and its various areas is well organized, allowing visitors to walk through the chapels and cloister.
The convent houses the so-called 'devil's staircase,' where Saint Teresa fell in 1577 and broke her arm, which never fully healed. This spot stands as a quiet testament to her life and spiritual strength.
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