Description: These ruins are all within a few blocks of each other, northeast of the plaza. None of them is open to the public, but all are worth a stop to view them from the street.
El Carmen
Past
La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen was built in 1638, but was completely destroyed in 1651. It was then built bigger and better in 1656, only to be destroyed in 1717. Built one more time in 1728, it was destroyed again in 1773. The ruins of El Carmen were ruined some more in the 1976 earthquake. In the 1990s, some restoration work was done.
Present
This church is unique in town, as it has a baroque style and proportions. The best time to visit is at night, when the beautiful facade is lit up. It is located on 3 Avenida Nte between 2 Calle Ote and 3 Calle Ote.
Santa Teresa
Past
This church and convent was built in 1677 and damaged in 1717. It was repaired around 1740, only to be destroyed by the 1773 earthquake.
Present
Some of the church walls and a beautiful facade still stand. It is worth a visit. Santa Teresa is not open to the public, with the exception of naughty boys. It is the men’s prison. It is located at 1 Calle Ote and 4 Avenida Nte.
La Candelaria
Past
There is little documented history of La Candelaria. It was built in 1550, and all during its first century, mass was delivered in the local Mayan language of Pipil. It was probably remodeled during the 18th century. It was barely affected by the 1717 and 1751 quakes, but was almost destroyed during the one in 1773.
Present
It has a lovely facade with spiraling pillars and conch-shell designs, built during the 18th century. Nowadays, it serves as a parking lot and basketball court. It is located on Avenida 1 Norte at the very north of town.
Santa Rosa de Lima
Past
Built sometime before 1580, Santa Rosa de Lima was originally named Beaterio de Santa Catalina de Siena. Women of town’s elite class were housed here. If I understood correctly, they were not nuns, but devoted their lives to reading, sewing, and religious activities. In 1677, the convent was remodeled. The present-day church was built in 1720 and destroyed in the 1773 earthquake. The 1976 quake also did extensive damage.
Present
The church is on private property. Even though a wall surrounding the grounds and abundant vegetation block much of the view, this was my favorite stop-and-peek site. The structure is beautifully ruined. For some reason, it gave me a very peaceful feeling. It is located at the end of 1 Calle Ote.
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