santa teresa convent museum - convento museo santa teresa

jimf16

This was unbelievable. The Convent supplied their own guide (she was excellent) and they have done an unbelievable restoration of the convent and the art. It is and excellent example of convent life in Potosi's early days and is well with a visit !!!

susanf688

This Convent has been a highlight so far. It was built from 1686-1692. A wealthy families' second daughter would be sent here with a hefty dowry. A new convent was built next door in 1976 and this was converted to a museum. Many architectural features are original and the rooms are full of art and other treasures given as dowries. The guide was great. Make sure you buy cookies and candies made by the Nuns on your way out.

SuttonHill

You have to take a guided tour of the convent, some of which seem to have a cast of thousands(!), but you get to see some pretty amazing works of art and other treasures plus learn the history of the convent.If religious art is your thing then you will love it, but eventually I must admit to reaching brain capacity. Highlight for me was a communion wafer waffle iron, although on a darker side the room (which may or may not be open) showing the terrible tools for self punishment by the nuns was fascinating and shocking at the same time.

Shambalalala

First half - life of the nuns. Interesting to hear about and see everything set up as it was. Second half - room after room of not very good art, gold stuff, some textiles work etc etc. We didn't find this interesting and were glad to leave. We took the tour in Spanish. Unfortunately our guide was really lacking in charisma. We didn't even get a smile. None of the stories that people in other reviews have mentioned. Maybe it's better if you get the English tour...

Nadnerb2

This is great museum and a must see. Everything is preserved here and it is wonderful to see what life was like in the convent. The guide was wonderful and she explains everything in detail, so much so, that one didn't need to ask too many questions.

JFLR187198

Superb visit with highly competent English-speaking guides. Spare a few hours for it and do not miss the begining. Check their visit schedules at the office.

Eratolin

The guide tour took some time but it's very worthy.The guide speaks good English and knows the history very well, has a lot stories to tell.It's hard to imagine the life at that time without seeing all these.

ichibanwanderer

Our guide was not allowed to take us around but we were luck enough to find that the local guide was a good friend of our guide and she agreed to also explain everything to us in English although the tour was in Spanish. We only took the first hour of the tour (which with hindsight was sad having now read previous comments)Lots to see and with the commentary a lot of history. Well worth the time.

liesenluc

One of the most interesting monastery's, we have visited in our life. Very good guide, who tells us a lot about life in the monastery. A visit takes 2 to 2,5 hours, but is so interesting that time is flowing away. Opening hours are a bit of good luck; They are written next to the entrance, but they do not correspond with the real times of opening. If it is not open, just try it again at a later time, untill you are lucky. Tickets have to be bought in the shop at the right side of the entrance. Recommended! Take a warm jacket with you.

GilsBerlaar

We did not expect to find such a nice , simple monastery with golden ornaments. Early in the morning , we enjoyed the tranquility of this religious place. Highly recommended ( but take a warm coat with you )

SueAndLudi

Although the tour was in Spanish, the guide was so clear that even I with my beginners Spanish could understand nearly all of what she said. Really interesting building and context, lovely garden, and an insight into a very odd way of life.

SueL29

Lydia, the guide was very patient with the gringos and their questions. The place is absolutely magical and it is very reality grounding to learn about the lives of the nuns.

MelbourneTed

This convent and the tour we did was one of the (unexpected) highlights of my time in Bolivia and I highly recommend it. The convent and gardens have been impeccably restored and are beautiful, and the history is so very interesting, albeit sad at times. We did a guided tour in English which was excellent, although we had so many questions and there was so much to see that we ran out of time and had to rush at the end. The only disappointment was that I would have loved to have bought a book about the convent, but none is available. I hope the staff consider publishing one in the future.

marksoc

Santa Teresa is a working Carmelita convent that was redesigned by one of its authorities, an architect. The visit is a must in Potosi, the place is full of treasure in the form of paintings, objects, the cloister, the sun. I did the guided visit in Spanish and now I can say that I understand what was life in a closed-door convent in the 17th century. If you don´t want to pay for the photo fee, pay only for the basic visit, and then if you decide to take photos (and trust me, you will) you can ask them to pay for it at the end of the visit.

ultravioletz

Lovely place with magnificent architecture it is one of the few places where you can actually learn some about potosi and at the same time enjoy a wonderful environment well preserved and finely managed