San Francisco Cultural Complex

In the 14th century, an event changed the appearance of the city: the Franciscans decided to rebuild their convent with its cloister and church on the slope of Montealegre. It became an identifying element of the city.

In the 19th century, it was the monks who gave part of their property for a new cemetery. But soon the exclaustration began and the space underwent profound modifications both in its structure (removal of the church) and in its function (military barracks). Meanwhile, the cemetery became the main one in the city and many renowned writers have their final resting place here.

Transformation into a Large Cultural Space

Once it left its military use, little by little, it was recovered for public use. The cloister could once again be enjoyed freely. The old chapel of the Third Order was occupied by the Archaeological Museum’s Sculpture Hall. The old barracks have been converted into a Provincial Historical Archive. Next to it, the modern Municipal Auditorium was built, a spectacular building of contemporary construction that hosts different kinds of shows. The new square is completed with the Nós Public Library. Finally, at the highest part, the Carrileiros Railway Park brings us closer to the world of trains from a different perspective. Cloister and Cemetery have become, in addition, Sites of Cultural Interest.