The Monastery of La Recoleta


Sucre is the capital of Bolivia and perhaps the most colorful city in this country. This is one of the few places where poverty does not break out, where local residents are able to smile sincerely and affably, where modernity and history are closely intertwined with each other. In this city, the tourist will definitely not be bored, because there are a lot of attractions worthy of attention. One of such important places in Sucre is the monastery of La Recoleta.

What is interesting about the monastery?

Speaking of Bolivia, it is impossible not to take into account the tangible influence of the Spanish conquistadors on its history. Even the name of the monastery "La recoleta" is derived from the Spanish language. The history of this shrine begins in 1601. It was then that the monastery was erected on the hill Cerro Churuquella, where today a large part of the urban development is located. Since then, the church has been restored and rebuilt several times.

History of the foundation of the monastery

The monastery of La Recoleta was founded by the Order of the Franciscans. Today it is almost one of the most picturesque places in the city. The building of the temple is surrounded by a garden of flowering trees, and on the square in front of the main entrance there are several pretty fountains. By the way, this place deserves special attention: here it is surprisingly spacious and atmospheric. A long corridor of colonnades and arches sates the space of the square in the spirit of colonial Spain, and the amazing panorama of the city only complements the overall picture.

Architecture

In terms of architecture, the monastery is made in an eclectic style, as evidenced by the rows of columns at the main entrance. The facade of the temple on both sides is decorated with clock towers, which are crowned with painted domes. Massive wooden doors have been preserved since the XIX century. They silently remind you that you are next to the incarnated piece of the history of the city.

Monastery today

Surprisingly, in the territory of La Recoleta there is a functioning cafe Café Gourmet Mirador. Here you can sit comfortably for lunch and enjoy stunning views of both the monastery square and the city as a whole.

In the evening the monastery of La Recoleta becomes quite a busy place. After a hard day the locals like to come here whole families and talk about something with each other. One has only to visit this place, and such a tradition does not cause surprise, because the surrounding atmosphere of coziness and peace allows you to relax and rest perfectly.

How to get to La Recoleta?

If you want to visit the monastery of La Recoleta, then it's best to navigate the Plaza 25 de Mayo. No more than 20 minutes up the hill - and you're there. However, if the rise in the year is difficult for you, the best way out of the situation will be a taxi.