Was it faith or circumstance that led the Poor Clares to Cartagena? Here at the Monasterio de la Hermanas Clarisas, those stories linger in the air. Though the convent no longer houses the silent sisters, its history echoes within these walls. In 1607, the Clarisas, followers of the austere yet compassionate path of Saint Clare, arrived in this burgeoning city. Donated land and a modest sum allowed them to build their sanctuary. Life within the Monasterio de la Hermanas Clarisas was one of quiet contemplation. The sisters lived a life of prayer and self-sufficiency. Their contact with the outside world was limited to the turning of a wooden wheel, through which they sold their baked goods. This peaceful existence was shattered in 1861. A government decree ordered the seizure of church property. Forced to leave their beloved monastery, the Clarisas sought refuge in Havana. The Monasterio de la Hermanas Clarisas found new purpose, however. It became a hospital run by the Sisters of the Presentation. This chapter too came to a close. In a twist of fate, this former haven of prayer and healing was reborn as the luxurious Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel. It stands today as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Monasterio de la Hermanas Clarisas, a place where faith, history, and luxury intertwine.
Hotel Bellavista
Is it just me, or does this place exude a certain kind of magic? We’re standing before Hotel Bellavista, a