Did you know that the Convento de las Beatas Indias del Rosario was once a refuge for indigenous women? It stands here as a testament to their lives. Let’s journey back in time. We will explore the story of this unique place in Antigua Guatemala.
The Convento de las Beatas Indias del Rosario began as a cofradía. Bishop Francisco Marroquín founded it in 1559. It aimed to increase devotion to the Holy Rosary. People who attended mass were registered to join the congregation. A key activity was a monthly procession. It went from the Cathedral to the Santo Domingo convent every first Friday.
Empress Doña Isabel ordered the creation of “honest houses” in 1546. These houses would teach indigenous girls good customs. They would also learn Christian practices. The girls would learn womanly arts used by Spanish women. This order was for New Spain but it expanded to Guatemala. The Dominicans followed this example. They created a refuge for indigenous women. One of them was chosen as prelate. The refuge was run like a beaterio.
Fray Francisco Ximénez said that Fray Benito de Villacañas founded the Beaterio. He used alms to buy the site. He taught the women religion. Sister Francisca de Santo Domingo was a distinguished student. The Beaterio likely started in the late 16th or early 17th century. Villacañas arrived in Santiago de Guatemala around 1568.
In 1751 earthquakes damaged the site. The Ayuntamiento gave a subsidy to repair the damage. Each person received 50 pesos. The repairs finished that year. A fire broke out on December 25, 1762. It left the Beaterio in ruins. Don Domingo López de Urrelo provided financial aid for its reconstruction.
The Convento de las Beatas Indias del Rosario reopened on August 14, 1771. Nicolasa Salas died that same day. She was buried in the chapel. Fourteen days later the Beatas took vows of perpetual closure. The 1773 Santa Marta earthquake destroyed the city. The Beaterio was ruined. The beatas moved to a rancho. It was in the neighborhood of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores del Llano. Later they occupied a temporary residence. It was in the orchard of the Santo Domingo convent. On January 12, 1779, they moved to Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción. This was next to the Dominican convent. Today this site is at 12th avenue and 10th street in zone 1.
The site was once considered vacant land. It was used as an illegal dump. The main structures were covered in trash and rubble. Based on a map by Luis Diez de Navarro the chapel, fountain, laundry and structural service complex were located.
Archaeological investigations have helped uncover the history of this place. Excavations revealed the chapel, fountain, and other key areas. These investigations confirm the layout from a 1769 map by Diez de Navarro. The chapel was found covered in rubble. An excavation uncovered a burial. The remains are believed to be of Sister Nicolasa Salas. She died when the convent was rebuilt in 1771.
The fountain has mixtilinear design. It features medallions with monograms. The laundry has twelve washing stations. A structural complex included a refectory, kitchen and pantry. Historical documents tell more about the Beaterio. The Dominicans provided spiritual guidance. They also gave financial support to the women.
The Convento de las Beatas Indias del Rosario stands as a reminder. It exemplifies resilience. It also shows devotion. It symbolizes the stories of indigenous women who sought refuge within its walls. Their lives and struggles shaped this place. Their legacy remains.