Where the Liberator Spent the Night

This ancient building with adobe walls and roofs made of poplar, cane and mud was declared National Historical Monument on the grounds that it preseves the design intact from the days on which it was constructed and that it was used by the Argentinian hero, General don José de San Martín, to spend the night.

After crossing the entrance, visitors come into the Sala Capitular –a room used for meetings of the order- and then the backyard. Some years ago, religious elements from the days of the colony and the declaration of Argentinian Independence could be observed. But, as a result of a conflict of interests in the field of the museums in San Juan, the cell was left completely empty and only the walls and ceiling may be observed today.

At the convent's backyard, ancient trees stand out, namely, three olive trees more than three hundred years old each and a carob tree San Martín used to tie his mule. Likewise, two large bells made in 1778, when the General Liberator was born, are displayed there.

This is a very pretty site to visit and learn about the steps taken by General San Martín; ideal for lovers of colonial architecture.