What echoes through these walls? It is the spirit of knowledge and history within the Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana. This private university resides in the former San Jerónimo Convent. Its historical and cultural significance is profound.
The Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana is best known as the home of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz for over twenty-five years. She produced much of her renowned writings here. Sor Juana was a colonial Mexican writer. She was also a philosopher, composer, and poet of the Baroque period. Her contemporaries called her “The Tenth Muse” and “The Phoenix of America”.
Founded in 1585, Isabel de Barrios, daughter of conquistador Andrés de Barrios established the convent. It merged two private residences amplifying them. This convent became home to four nuns from the Covent of La Concepción. Archbishop Pedro Moya de Contreras granted authorization. It became the first convent of nuns of the Saint Jerome order.
The church was built in Renaissance style. It shows Herrerian influence. Consecrated in 1623 its columns and pilasters are Doric. They bear pyramidal crests. The tower dates from 1665. Though built during the Baroque period, it remains unadorned.
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz lived here for 27 years. She wrote most of her works within these walls. The tombstone here is more a tribute than her actual grave.
In 1867, the Reform Laws closed the convent. The building became a camp and military hospital. Later, the main patio served various purposes. These included the site of the Literary Society of Nezahualcóyotl. By the early 20th century, architect Antonio Rivas Mercado received it as payment. His daughters Antonieta and Alicia inherited it in 1927. The church became state property declared a national monument. A well-known business here was the Smyrna Dancing Club. It operated in the mid 20th century.
In 1975, a group dedicated to Sor Juana studies petitioned President Luis Echeverría. They wanted him to expropriate the building for conservation. Excavations and explorations occurred from 1976 to 1982. Many objects related to the nuns’ daily lives were found. Today, the Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana oversees the complex’s conservation. It is a National Heritage Site featured on the 200 peso bill.
In the mid 2000s, the Catholic Church sought to reclaim the Church of San Jerónimo. They wanted to return it to worship. The school resisted and won in court. The university retains rights to the entire property. This is as long as it remains an educational and cultural institution.
The Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana was founded here in 1979. It offered its first bachelors in Human Sciences. Today, the institution offers eight bachelor’s degrees. It also provides master’s degrees and certificates. These mostly focus on humanities. The life and work of Sor Juana shapes the institution’s intellectual basis.
Inside, the building blends colonial and modern constructions. Continuous conservation efforts preserve its heritage. The campus expanded in 2003. The nearby Regina campus became part of the colonial convent of the nuns of Regina Coeli.
The library houses the Centro de Documentación Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. It aims to be the most important repository of writings about Sor Juana. The general library collection holds many donated first editions.
Spaces in the complex showcase art and culture exhibitions. The university houses the Museo de la Indumentaria Mexicana Luis Márquez Romay. It displays traditional Mexican attire.
San Jeronimo Street in front of the main facade is pedestrian-only. It is being remodeled into a cultural corridor. This will extend to the College of Vizcainas. The school has outreach programs. These include literacy education and free psychological counseling. The university supports the revitalization of the historic center.
Notably, Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana students are the biggest coffee drinkers in Mexico City. The campus is surrounded by gourmet cafes. These attract customers with cultural events.
Each year, students construct a monumental ofrenda for Day of the Dead festivities. It is created with ex-students, teachers, artists, and neighbors.
The Chorus of the Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana performs under guest directors. It specializes in works that are no longer frequently performed. The chorus is made up of students from various majors.
The Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana partners with other academic and cultural institutions. It has a partnership program with UNAM. This supports teaching, research, community outreach, and culture. The university also publishes a guide to eateries in the historic center.
The Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana’s story is one of resilience, education, and cultural preservation. Its dedication honors Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.