Ex Convento de San Agustín is the former Augustinian monastery building that now houses the Museo de Arte de Querétaro, on Calle Allende in the historic center of Santiago de Querétaro. Visitors focus on the building's Baroque cloister, considered one of the finest in Mexico, with two levels of arcades supported by intricately carved caryatid columns depicting allegorical figures. A visit takes 45 minutes to an hour, primarily spent circling the cloister courtyard and studying the carved details on the columns and arches, since much of the artistic focus is on the architecture itself rather than separate exhibits. The upper gallery walkway offers the best vantage point for seeing the full pattern of the cloister from above, while the ground-floor courtyard gives the clearest view of individual column carvings. Weekday mornings, before museum visitor traffic builds, are the best time to see the cloister undisturbed.
Good to know
- Hours
- Tue-Sun 10:00AM-6:00PM (shares hours with Museo de Arte de Querétaro)
- Best time
- Weekday mornings to view the cloister undisturbed
Location
Allende 14 Sur, Centro, 76000 Santiago de Querétaro, Qro., Mexico
20.5909, -100.3934 View on map
Highlights
- Two-level Baroque cloister with carved caryatid columns
- Considered one of the finest examples of colonial cloister architecture in Mexico
- Shares its building with the Museo de Arte de Querétaro
- Allegorical figures carved into the column capitals
Tips for visiting
- Visit weekday mornings to view the cloister undisturbed
- Look closely at the column capitals, each carved with a different allegorical figure
- Combine with the Museo de Arte de Querétaro collection housed in the same building
- Bring a wide-angle camera lens for photographing the full courtyard
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest view of the cloister before museum visitor traffic builds.
Accessibility
The ground-floor courtyard is accessible, but the upper gallery walkway is reached by a stone staircase with no elevator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour appreciating the cloister and its carvings.
Is it worth it for kids?
The intricate carvings can interest curious children, though it is primarily an architectural appreciation stop.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography of the cloister is generally permitted without flash.