Church and Convent of Society of Jesus

The Church and Convent of Society of Jesus is a Hispanic baroque structure featuring wide stone arches and thick supporting walls throughout its layout. The site preserves sections of three original monastery wings that once extended across the compound.

Construction of the complex began in 1690 and took about 8 years to complete under architect José de Porres. The Jesuits occupied the site until 1767, when the Spanish crown ordered their expulsion from all colonial territories.

The complex once served as a major learning center where influential colonial figures studied and developed their skills. Visitors can still sense the educational purpose that shaped the intellectual life of the region.

The site is open to visitors at no cost, though certain areas remain closed for structural maintenance and safety reasons. Plan your visit around these restrictions to see what is currently accessible.

After the Jesuits left, the grounds were repurposed several times, serving as a textile factory in the 1800s and later as a public market. These transformations reveal how the space adapted to meet the changing needs of the city.

Location: Antigua Guatemala

Architectural style: Hispanic baroque

GPS coordinates: 14.55748,-90.73553

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04