Convento de San Francisco

In 1750, a determined Franciscan missionary, Father Fernando Larrea, arrived in Cali with a vision. He dreamt of a grand religious complex. It would become a beacon of faith and learning. He set his sights on creating what we now know as the Convento de San Francisco. Initially, the Franciscan missionaries resided in a humble dwelling next to the Santa Rosa church. But Father Larrea, driven by his ambitious plan, launched a fundraising campaign. In 1751, thanks to a generous donation of 15,000 patacones from Presbyter Nicolás de Hinestrosa, Father Larrea purchased land for the Convento de San Francisco. Construction began in 1757. By 1764, the Inmaculada Chapel and the convent itself were completed. The monks moved into their permanent home within the Convento de San Francisco complex. Father Larrea served as the guardian of his creation until his death in 1773. The Convento de San Francisco wasn’t immune to the political turmoil of the time. In 1861, during the Granadine Confederation, General Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera ordered the convent vacated. This was part of his campaign to limit the Church’s influence. However, just ten years later, thanks to the intervention of Eustaquio Palacios, the Franciscans returned to the Convento de San Francisco during the era of the United States of Colombia. The new Church of San Francisco, a neoclassical masterpiece, was constructed between 1803 and 1827. It was designed by Presbyter Andrés Marcelino Pérez de Arroyo y Valencia, with construction overseen by Fray Pedro Herrera. The church withstood earthquakes in 1885, 1896, and 1925. It still stands today as a testament to its resilient architecture. The Convento de San Francisco’s architectural jewel is its Mudejar Tower. Standing 23 meters tall, it’s been hailed by historian Santiago Sebastián as “the most beautiful Mudejar tower in all of America”. The tower boasts four distinct sections, separated by prominent cornices. The intricate brickwork and design elements are a captivating sight. The Convento de San Francisco complex also includes a museum of religious art. It houses a collection of invaluable artifacts and stunning artworks. It offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Franciscan order and its presence in Cali.