Saint Catherine of Siena's Monastery, Buenos Aires, Dominican monastery in Retiro, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Description
Saint Catherine of Siena's Monastery is a Dominican religious complex in Retiro spanning an entire city block with two central courtyards and cells designed for approximately forty Dominican nuns. The buildings feature colonial-era architecture arranged around these internal open spaces.
History
Construction began in 1738 under Jesuit brother Juan Bautista Prímoli and Italian architect Andrés Bianchi following King Philip V of Spain's authorization. The complex later served a critical role during armed conflict when it transformed into a hospital.
Culture
The religious complex follows a traditional Dominican layout with distinct zones: black-veiled nuns focused on prayer while white-veiled sisters managed domestic work and daily operations.
Practical
The monastery now operates as a Spiritual Care Center and welcomes visitors interested in exploring its religious heritage and colonial architecture. Morning or early afternoon visits tend to be quieter and allow for more peaceful observation of the interior spaces.
Did you know?
During the British invasion of 1807, the monastery transformed into a hospital treating wounded soldiers from both opposing sides. This unexpected role reveals how religious buildings were pressed into service during military conflict.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Buenos Aires).
Kavanagh building
440 m
Galerías Pacífico
90 m
Murales de Eva Perón del Edificio del Ministerio de Obras Públicas
1.6 km
Edificio Bencich on Avenida Córdoba
426 m
Edificio República
444 m
Galería Jardín
274 m
Torre Alem Plaza
344 m
Palacio Haedo
443 m
SAFICO building
438 m
Edificio Bouchard 710
380 m
Torre Catalinas Plaza
375 m
Edificio Bunge y Born
393 m
Edificio Laminar Plaza
438 m
Edificio Transradio Internacional
459 m
Sheraton Libertador Hotel
214 m
Torre Conurban
460 m
Torre Fortabat
387 m
Claridge Hotel, Buenos Aires
139 m
Edificio CHACOFI
358 m
Torre Madero
438 m
Edificio CASFPI
273 m
Yatahi building
426 m
Torre Galería Florida
245 m
Torre Club Alemán
446 m
NH Lancaster Hotel
190 m
Torre Plaza
321 m
Goethe-Institut Buenos Aires
443 m
José Mazzini
439 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes