| This monastery was built between 1527 and 1560. This monastic complex has a unique composition of two atrios linked with a spectacular stairway. It is because the friars built their religious space on top of the two platforms of the ancient pre-Columbian ceremonial center. The church is located exactly where the main Indian temple (Teocalli) was. This is a clear political and religious statement that was well understood by the defeated Indians because in their codices they used to represent their military victories with the burning of the main temple of the conquered town (Codex Mendoza). The original structure of the monastery of the 16th century has suffered many modifications from the 17th and 18th centuries, which can be seen especially in the church. The primitive cloister of small dimensions is a perfect example of the Franciscan mystical approach to poverty. The austerity of the cloister is so impressive that Fray Geronimo Mendieta, who was a resident there, refers to it as pauperrimo (very poor). The lower cloister is formed by depressed arches and has ogee arches in the doors. The upper cloister is formed with wooden columns and caps, and mudejar wooden roofs. It has a picturesque southern Spain Moorish flavor. |
