La Recolección

The Iglesia y Monasterio de la Recolección, built in the 18th century for the Recollect Friars, reflects the grandeur of colonial Baroque architecture and Antigua’s vulnerability to earthquakes. The complex, with its monumental church and monastic cloisters, was destroyed by the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake. Despite its abandonment, the ruins remain an iconic cultural site, hosting events that celebrate the city’s rich heritage and serving as a reminder of Antigua’s spiritual and historical legacy.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
At the western edge of Antigua, Guatemala stand the imposing
ruins of the Iglesia Imonasterio de la Recolleccion, a monument
that reflects both the grandeur of colonial architecture and the
city's vulnerability to natural disasters. Built in the eighteenth century
to house the Order of the recollect Friars, this religious
complex is one of Antigua's most evocative sites, not only

(00:22):
for its monumental design, but also for the stories and
legends surrounding it. The arrival of the recollect Order in
Guatemala dates back to the late seventeenth century. This religious group,
a branch of the Franciscan Order, sought to live a
life of greater austerity and isolation, dedicated to prayer and service.
In seventeen ten, they received authorization to settle in Santiago

(00:45):
de los Caballerros modern day Antigua, Guatemala, to meet their
spiritual and communal needs. They began construction of their church
and monastery in seventeen fifteen under the supervision of Friar
Antonio margill de Jesus. The location chosen for the complex,
on the outskirts of the city, was consistent with the
spirit of seclusion that characterized the recollects. However, the magnitude

(01:09):
of the project did not go unnoticed. Spanning a considerable area,
the complex included a church, a monastery with large cloisters, courtyards, gardens,
and various facilities for the monk's daily life. The Iglesia
dela Recolleccion was a remarkable example of Baroque style in Guatemala.
Designed with a monumental facade, it stood out for its

(01:31):
ornate columns, sculptural reliefs, and niches housing statues of saints.
The structure, built mainly of stone and lime, reflected both
the skill of local artisans and the influence of European architects.
The interior of the church adhered to Borrow traditions, with
gilded altars, frescoes, and a series of side chapels adorned

(01:52):
with religious wooden carvings. The main altar was dedicated to
Saint Francis of Assisi, honoring the Franciscan affiliation of the
record friars. The monastery, on the other hand, was designed
from monastic life, with expansive cloisters surrounded by arches, austere
rooms and landscaped courtyards, it provided an ideal setting for

(02:12):
contemplation and communal living. The monks also had areas dedicated
to study, meditation and agricultural production, allowing them to lead
a self sufficient life. Like many buildings in Antigua, Guatemala,
the Iglesia Emonasterio de la Recoleccion was severely affected by
the frequent earthquakes that struck the region. Although the complex

(02:33):
withstood several minor tremors, the devastating seventeen seventy three Santa
Marta earthquake marked the end of its use as an
active religious site. This earthquake destroyed much of the church
and left the monastery in ruins, forcing the monks to
abandon the site. Despite recovery efforts, the relocation of the
capital to Nueva Guatemala de la Assuncion in seventeen seventy

(02:56):
six sealed the fate of the complex. Without the necessary
support for reconstruction, the Recolexion was abandoned, eventually becoming a
silent testament to the vulnerability of colonial architecture in the
face of natural disasters. Like many historic sites in Antigua,
the ruins of La Recolexion are surrounded by legends that

(03:16):
enhance its allure. One of the most well known stories
is that of a friar who is said to walk
among the ruins at night, continuing to guard the site
even after its destruction. While unverified, such tales contribute to
the mysticism of the location and attract history enthusiasts and
the curious alike. Today, the ruins of La Recolexion are

(03:37):
used as a venue for cultural events such as concerts,
art exhibitions, and theater performances. Its unique atmosphere, combined with
its historical significance, makes it an ideal place for activities
that celebrate Antigua, Guatemala's cultural heritage.