"Sister María Antonia de la Paz y Figueroa" Holy House of Spiritual Exercises

Independencia 1190
Tel. 4304-0984 / 4305-4816 Guided tours on previously scheduled appointments made by telephone
Holidays: From January to March

Towards the end of 1795, after a long pilgrimage from Córdoba, sister María Antonio de la Paz y Figueroa obtained permission from the Town Council in Buenos Aires to build a house for spiritual retreats. Her idea was welcomed, and Mr. Alfonso Rodríguez donated a plot of land to this effect. Thanks to other gifts, the house was built and inaugurated in 1799, under the name of "House of Spiritual Exercises". The place offers varied points of interest, particularly because it is one of the few authentic colonial remnants in the city. As such, it reflects the problems associated with the preservation of this type of 18th century architectural relic with its one metre thick walls, carob wood doors with large iron fittings and ceilings with palm tie beams. Original retreat cells for spiritual exercises, as well as important 18th and 19th century relics, among them an impressive image of Jesus Christ, have been preserved. Other artistic treasures include paintings, canvasses, engravings, and images; clocks over three centuries old that are still working, or the famous large trunk that belonged to the founder, surrounded by a particular aura of mystery. Two chapels, two refectories, several colonial yards, a three-bell belfry, a sundial, a well, and a wooden cross placed by sister María Antonio in the Yard of the Sacrament. This house-museum was declared a historical site on May 21, 1942, and has been run for over two centuries by the "Daughters of the Divine Saviour", who still use the building as an enclosure convent and as an educational institution.