Saint Catherine of Siena's Monastery, Buenos Aires, Dominican monastery in Retiro, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
