Ex Convento de San Pablo (Former Convent of Saint Paul), Oaxaca

The Former Convent of Saint Paul is a cornerstone of colonial and cultural heritage. Founded in 1529 by the Dominican order, it was the first convent in the city and played a central role in the region's religious and academic development. Serving as both a parish and a hub for linguistic and scholarly activities, San Pablo was instrumental in the study and publication of works on the Mixtec, Zapotec, and Nahuatl languages.

The convent also housed Francisco Hernández de Toledo, a notable proto-medical figure, and Luis de León Romano, the urban planner responsible for shaping Oaxaca and Morelia.

In 1860, following the Reform Laws, the convent was nationalized, and by 1862, its remains were sold off. The building’s fortunes fluctuated until it was finally restored between 2006 and 2011, when it was converted into a cultural space operated by the Fundación Alfredo Harp Helú Oaxaca.

The convent sits atop the first evidence of human occupation in the area, with archaeological findings including ceramic fragments and burials dating back to the Late Formative period (600 BC – AD 200), hinting at the city’s deep roots, even before the rise of Monte Albán.

The building’s stunning colonial architecture, which includes meticulously restored high and low corridors, makes it a striking example of the region’s history and craftsmanship.

Today, the Former Convent of Saint Paul serves as a vibrant cultural center, hosting art exhibitions, performances, and workshops that celebrate Oaxaca’s rich traditions.