Capuchinas Convent

The convent of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, known as Capuchinas, was one of the last convents for nuns founded in Antigua, in the first half of the 18th century. The Capuchin nuns lived in strict seclusion, and the building reflects that life: quiet courtyards, a large central fountain and corridors linking cells, kitchens and laundry areas.

The Tower of Retreat

Its most famous feature is a circular tower with a courtyard in the middle, surrounded by small cells on two levels. Its exact purpose is still debated; the most widely accepted explanation is that it was a place of spiritual retreat. In the basement of the tower there is a circular room with a central pillar and very unusual acoustics.

Today the complex is well preserved and restored, and it houses the institution responsible for protecting the city's heritage.