College of Santa Cruz de Querétaro

The College of Santa Cruz de Querétaro is a colonial religious complex with a church and convent in Santiago de Querétaro. The building displays classical architecture with stone walls, intricate stonework, and a prominent bell tower overlooking the city center.

Construction of the complex began in the 17th century and continued into the early 1800s, rooted in a Spanish military victory over the Otomi people. The extended building period reflects how the site evolved from a place of conquest into a major religious education center.

This religious complex served as a training ground for missionaries who carried Catholic teachings across California and beyond. Visitors can sense how central this place was to reshaping the spiritual landscape of the continent.

The church is open for individual visits at no cost, while exploring the convent requires joining a guided tour conducted in Spanish. Planning your visit around available tours ensures you can see all areas of the complex.

The convent garden contains a tree bearing naturally formed cross-shaped thorns, which originated from a walking stick planted by a Franciscan friar in the 17th century. This unusual tree remains a curious botanical detail that catches visitors' attention.