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Santo Ecce Homo Convent: A Sanctuary of History and Fossils

Discover a serene 17th-century convent near Villa de Leyva, Colombia, where history, spirituality, and fossilized wonders converge.

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The Santo Ecce Homo Convent, founded in 1620, is a Dominican monastery near Villa de Leyva, Colombia, offering a serene escape into history and spirituality. Its architecture features a blend of colonial design and local materials, with a unique fossil-embedded floor, creating a captivating experience for visitors.

A brief summary to Santo Ecce Homo Convent

  • cerca al convento al santo Ecce Homo, Santa Ecce Homo, Villa de Leyva, Boyaca, 153867, CO
  • +573102274147
  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the original stone floors, which can be uneven in places.
  • Take time to examine the stones in the floors and walls for the many fossils embedded within.
  • Visit the Capitulary Hall to see the collection of ecclesiastical art.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Villa de Leyva, take a bus heading towards Santa Sofía. Ask the driver to drop you off at the road leading to the convent. From there, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the entrance.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Villa de Leyva to the Santo Ecce Homo Convent is a direct option. Negotiate the fare before starting the trip. A short taxi ride in Villa de Leyva typically starts at COP 4,400.

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Discover more about Santo Ecce Homo Convent

Nestled in the hills outside Villa de Leyva, Colombia, the Santo Ecce Homo Convent offers a tranquil retreat with a rich history. Founded in 1620 by Dominican monks, the convent served as a rest home for elderly members of the community, seeking a mild climate and peaceful surroundings. The architecture reflects a blend of colonial Spanish design and local influences. The convent's construction took place over 45 years, from 1650 to 1695. Visitors are greeted by a large stone-and-adobe structure with a regal courtyard. The floors are paved with stones quarried from the region, revealing a fascinating display of fossils, including ammonites, petrified corn, and flowers. The chapel features a gilded main retable with an image of Ecce Homo. Look for the drawing of Christ in the west cloister; from different angles, it appears that the eyes open and close. The Capitulary Hall, once used for meetings, now houses a small museum of ecclesiastical art, including a rare crucifix depicting Christ with open eyes. Throughout its history, the convent has experienced periods of upheaval. In 1816, during the Colombian Wars of Independence, rebel troops occupied the convent, followed by royalist forces. Later, the government seized the convent before it was eventually recovered by the Dominicans. Today, the Santo Ecce Homo Convent stands as a testament to Colombia's colonial past and a place for contemplation and spiritual reflection.

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