Know Before You Go
You can visit the museum Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee is about 30 pesos.
Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo
This baroque wonder is filled with a trove of artistic treasures.
The Temple of Santa Rosa de Viterbo itself is a baroque wonder. Step inside the golden altarpiece that conceals the entrance to the museum, and you’ll realize its interior is filled with even more baroque treasures.
The temple belonged to the congregation the Roses Mothers, who were expelled from the site in 1861. The congregation disappeared in 1987 following the death of the last rose, Mother Paz. After her death, the objects that belonged to the nuns were donated back to the temple, and in 2019 the site was opened as a museum.
Two of the must-see artworks inside the museum are the life-sized sculptures of the Last Supper along with the famous portrait of Sister Maria de Francisco y Neve. This mysterious portrait stands out for the nearly flawless technique used to craft the nun’s grimace. It’s considered a masterpiece of Mexican baroque artistry.
Other portraits housed in the museum are that of Father Juan and Sor Thereza, both portrayed during their funerals and surrounded by floral ornaments of the period. The “Healing of Sr. Lugarda” is another amazing painting that tells the story of a miracle that took place inside the convent.
Paintings, books, letters, and even kitchen utensils that belonged to the nuns are all displayed throughout the museum. Undoubtedly, the most exquisite items inside are the beautiful baroque decorations and the temple itself.
Contributed by
Mario Yair TS
