Antiguo Convento de San Francisco

In the La Loma district of Requena, beside the Hoya de Los Molinos, stands the former Convent of San Francisco, one of the great monastic complexes of the area. Founded by the Franciscans from 1576 and built between 1617 and 1639, this roughly 3,600 m² site naturally blends the Renaissance and Baroque spirit, an equilibrium that surprises you as you move through its different spaces.

History

The convent grew from the Franciscan order's drive in the final quarter of the 16th century and took its definitive shape in the opening decades of the 17th. After the disentailment of 1835 it lost its religious function and saw various uses over time. Today it houses the Museum of Holy Week in Requena, which brings the building back to life and makes it open to visitors.

What to see

• The stone bell tower, the most recognisable feature of the complex.
• The late-Renaissance cloister, the serene heart of the old convent.
• The Baroque church, spacious and soberly elegant.
• The collections of the Holy Week Museum, set within the historic space itself.

Tips for your visit

• Combine it with the historic centre of Requena, such as the Caves of the Old Town.
• Check opening hours before you go, as they can vary by season.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the route through the cloister and church is on foot.