“Can you imagine life within these walls?” I ask you. We stand before the Colegio de San Jerónimo o Real Aduana. Its aged stones whisper tales of a bygone era.
The Colegio de San Jerónimo o Real Aduana wasn’t always ruins. In 1739 Mercedarian friars began construction without royal permission. This bold move led to the completion of a magnificent structure in 1757. It included the Hermitage of San Jerónimo. The building wasn’t just a school. It housed the dreams and ambitions of countless students.
However the king wasn’t amused. King Carlos III ordered the building’s demolition in 1761. The construction lacked the necessary royal authorization. It’s likely the high cost of demolition saved the Colegio. In 1765 it became the Royal Customs. Later it served as barracks and stables for Spanish troops.
The 1773 earthquake was a brutal turning point. It significantly damaged the Colegio de San Jerónimo o Real Aduana. Today we see the results of its fury. Massive blocks of masonry lie scattered. Crumbling walls stand as stark reminders of the quake’s force. Yet beauty remains. The octagonal colonial fountain in the main courtyard endures. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Antigua.
Notice the thick walls. They were built traditionally. Large stones formed the foundation. Fired clay bricks were bound with mortar. Simple linear geometry is carved in stucco. A surviving cupola exhibits a unique style. Its high octagonal pyramidal base is a remarkable architectural feature. You can still see niches built into the walls. These likely held religious images.
The Colegio de San Jerónimo o Real Aduana is more than ruins. It’s a living museum. Its stones echo with the sounds of students. They also remember the clatter of horses’ hooves and the footsteps of soldiers. It hosts cultural events today. It shows the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The history of this place is not simply one of destruction but also of adaptation and survival. This is why we must remember and preserve it.