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Convent · Tarija, Tarija
San Francisco Convent
Franciscan convent founded in 1606 in central Tarija, with a church, museum and a library of old books. The complex is Bolivia’s national historical and cultural heritage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About San Francisco Convent
The San Francisco convent was founded in Tarija on May 18, 1606, under the name Santa María de los Ángeles. the Franciscan presence shaped the history of the city and southeastern Bolivia. From 1755 the convent became the Colegio de Propaganda Fide, from which missions departed to the Chaco and other regions.
The complex includes the church, the Franciscan museum Fray Francisco Miguel Marí, archives and libraries. The old library holds about 11,000 volumes, some from the 16th century, and the archive preserves colonial and republican documents used by researchers of Tarija’s history and other regions of Bolivia.
The museum displays sacred art, mission objects and items related to the convent’s history. The visit helps to understand the role of the Franciscans in founding settlements and in relations with the indigenous peoples of the Chaco.
The complex was declared Bolivia’s national historical and cultural heritage by Law 3463 of 2006.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the church and museum.
Best time
At the museum’s opening times, which vary during the week. Confirm before you go. Avoid Mass times if you want to move around inside the church.
How to get there
It is in central Tarija, a few blocks from Luis de Fuentes y Vargas square, and is reachable on foot.
Tip
Ask at the museum whether it is possible to see the old library room. Combine the visit with Casa Dorada and the cathedral, all nearby.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about San Francisco Convent
When was the San Francisco convent of Tarija founded?
On May 18, 1606, under the name Santa María de los Ángeles. From 1755 it functioned as the Colegio de Propaganda Fide, the center of Franciscan missions in southeastern Bolivia.
What is in the San Francisco convent’s library?
The old library holds about 11,000 volumes, some from the 16th century. The archive preserves colonial and republican documents about Tarija and other regions of Bolivia.
Is the San Francisco convent a heritage site?
Yes. The complex, including church, museum, archives and libraries, was declared Bolivia’s national historical and cultural heritage by Law 3463 of 2006.