Iglesia and Convento de Santa Clara (Church and Convent of Santa Clara), Santo Domingo

The Church and Convent of Santa Clara is one of the most enduring religious landmarks in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, carrying a layered history that spans nearly five centuries. Its origins date to 1550, when Don Rodrigo Pimentel financed the construction of what was initially intended to be a church dedicated to Santa Ana. By the time the building was completed, however, the Clarissan nuns had already established a presence on the island, and the complex was given to them. For more than two centuries, the nuns lived in strict seclusion within its walls, shaping a quiet spiritual community at the heart of the growing colonial settlement. Their residence lasted until 1796, when they relocated to Cuba, marking the end of the convent’s first chapter.

A new period began in 1873, when the building was restored and entrusted to the Sisters of Charity of Cardenal Sancha. They founded the Colegio Santa Clara, an educational institution that remains active today, continuing the site’s long-standing connection to service and learning.

Architecturally, the structure reflects early colonial simplicity. The church features a single nave and a 17th-century coffered vault above the presbytery, while its north and west sides include two modest vestibules and a buttress that helps support its historic walls.

Located near the Primada de América Cathedral and the Larimar Museum, the Church and Convent of Santa Clara offer visitors a distinctive look into Santo Domingo’s religious past. Its quiet presence and enduring legacy make it a rewarding stop while exploring the Colonial City.