San Francisco Convent

Some people consider Argentina to be the Europe of the West due to its European colonial roots. The San Francisco Convent is a must see for anyone traveling to Argentina. This magnificent building has a main arch similar to European churches and convents. The bright yellow colors reflect the bright and rich culture unique to Argentina.

 

The convent was built in the early nineteenth century by Latino architect Fray Vicente Muñoz. Muñoz consulted Italian architects during construction to add in a European touch to the convent.

This building holds historical significance for Argentinians. The Battle of San Lorenzo was fought next to it and many soldiers were given treatment and buried at this convent. For the aforementioned reasons, the San Francisco Convent, garden, and battlefield are National Historic Monuments of
 Argentina.

The belfry is 53 meters tall making the San Francisco Convent one of the tallest buildings in Argentina.

In front of the church is a statue of St. Francis of Assisi. Perhaps the italian architects had some influence in this matter?

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher. He founded the Order of Friars Minor, Order of St. Clare, and the Third Order of St. Francis. He was never ordained into the Catholic priesthood. One day, St. Francis grew tired of his upper class lifestyle and joined the poor in begging at St. Peter's in Rome. When Francis returned home he shared his fascination with simple living and began preaching in the streets. He even traveled to Egypt to convert the Sultan to put an end to the Crusades. In 1223, Francis arranged for the first Christmas manger scene. And the following year he received the stigmata- making him the first person on which Christ's wounds appeared. He is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment.