Upon this very spot once stood the humble home of Mariana de Jesus. She later became Ecuador’s first Catholic saint. This is Iglesia Carmen Alto.
Iglesia Carmen Alto is more than just a church. It’s a living testament to Quito’s history. It sits on the street once called De las Siete Cruces. Now it’s known as Garcia Moreno. The corner is Rocafuerte.
Construction probably began in the late 16th century. Mariana de Jesus was born here in 1618. After her death in 1645 the Carmelite nuns took over. They officially established the monastery in 1653. They named it El Carmen de San Jose.
The name Carmen Alto became popular later. A devastating earthquake in 1698 destroyed a Carmelite monastery in Latacunga. Nuns relocated to Quito. Rules limited the number of nuns per monastery. They established El Carmen Nuevo. The original Quito monastery became El Carmen Alto.
Since 2013 parts of the convent including Mariana de Jesus’s original house are open as a museum. The museum displays centuries of collected items. Paintings by renowned Ecuadorian artists are on view. Hernando de la Cruz Joaquin Pinto and Victor Mideros are represented. The museum was carefully adapted. The space for the 21 cloistered nuns remains untouched. There is always a waiting list for aspiring nuns.
Iglesia Carmen Alto is a beautiful building. It stands as a powerful reminder of Quito’s faith and history. The art the architecture the stories. They all combine to create a truly unforgettable experience. Visit Iglesia Carmen Alto. Discover the secrets within its walls. Experience the rich history of this remarkable place.