Convent of Jesús Nazareno, Mérida, building in Badajoz Province, Spain
The Convent of Jesús Nazareno in Mérida is a stone building from the 1700s featuring a courtyard with columns made from ancient Roman and Visigothic fragments. The complex includes a chapel, cloister, ward rooms, and cells that were originally designed to serve patients and religious community members.
Founded in 1724 by the Hospitaller Order, the convent began operations as a hospital in 1734 and continued this work through the 1700s. Secularization laws in the 19th century ended its medical function, leading to use as a prison before its conversion to a hotel in 1933.
The convent takes its name from Jesus Nazareno and reflects the religious traditions that have shaped Mérida for centuries. Local residents view it as a spiritual anchor in the city, a place where faith and community needs were traditionally met together.
The site now operates as a hotel within the Parador chain, though visitors can view the courtyard and ancient columns from the plaza at no charge. It sits near Plaza de la Constitución, making it easy to combine with other walks through the old town.
Some columns in the courtyard are made from Roman and Visigothic building stones and still bear Kufic script inscriptions with prayers to Allah. This layering of materials shows how the city recycled ancient remains across different eras and religions.
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