Santa Catalina Monastery
A historic cloistered convent turned museum, offering a glimpse into nuns' lives and panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Santa Catalina Monastery
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cloistered convent turned museum, offering a glimpse into nuns' lives and panoramic city views.
"Visiting the monastery museum is a great opportunity to learn more about the contemplative nuns. "
🎯 Get a Guide
Highly recommended to understand the history and context of the former convent. :bustsinsilhouette:
📸 Capture the Light
Visit in the morning for the best natural lighting to photograph the beautiful architecture. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Convent's Historic Charm
Within the museum grounds
Explore the former cloistered convent, a beautiful structure offering a glimpse into the lives of contemplative nuns.
Church Bell Tower Views
Church bell tower
Climb the bell tower for magnificent panoramic views of Quito's historic center.
Natural Health Products
On-site shop
Discover natural health products, reportedly made by the nuns, offering a unique souvenir.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Its True Identity
Accessibility & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get a Guide
Highly recommended to understand the history and context of the former convent. :bustsinsilhouette:
📸 Capture the Light
Visit in the morning for the best natural lighting to photograph the beautiful architecture. :camerawithflash:
♿️ Accessibility Check
Be aware that some streets are stiff and not easily accessible for wheelchairs. :wheelchair:
🛍️ Explore the Shops
Don't miss the opportunity to browse and purchase unique goods, including natural products. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get a Guide
Highly recommended to understand the history and context of the former convent. :bustsinsilhouette:
📸 Capture the Light
Visit in the morning for the best natural lighting to photograph the beautiful architecture. :camerawithflash:
♿️ Accessibility Check
Be aware that some streets are stiff and not easily accessible for wheelchairs. :wheelchair:
🛍️ Explore the Shops
Don't miss the opportunity to browse and purchase unique goods, including natural products. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Santa Catalina Monastery to be a historically significant site, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of cloistered nuns and beautiful views from its bell tower. While some appreciate the natural products sold, others note its commercial nature and accessibility challenges in the old city.
"This seems to be an establishment with a confused, if not misleading, identity.
It’s not a church despite its appearance. It’s not a monastery, there are no monks.
It was once a convent of cloistered nuns back in the late 16th century.
Today, it promotes itself as a museum although it hasn’t really preserved the adobe structure that the convent was once.
It is today, by all accounts, a COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENT selling various goods.
It’s a pity really given its history."
A V (globetrotter)
"Excellent Nun's made natural health products. A wheelchair is not easily accessible in the old city. Some of the streets are very stiff to get around. No braille chart on most of the streets."
PS
"Beautiful structure .."
Rojen Bajeryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santa Catalina Monastery is located in the historic center of Quito, close to the Plaza de Armas. You can reach it by taxi, Uber, or by walking if you are staying nearby. Many guided tours of Quito's historic center will include a stop here.
Yes, it's centrally located in the historic district, making it relatively easy to find. Look for signs directing you to the museum.
Walking is the best way to explore the historic center and discover hidden gems. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be uneven.
Some streets in the old city can be stiff and challenging for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
While buses serve the historic center, navigating them can be complex for tourists. Taxis or ride-sharing services are often more convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary. For nationals, it's around 8 soles, and for students, it's about 5 soles. It's always best to check the latest prices upon arrival.
Generally, you can purchase tickets upon arrival. However, during peak tourist seasons, booking in advance might be advisable, especially if you're part of a tour group.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daylight hours. It's recommended to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.
As it's a former religious site, modest dress is appreciated. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Photography is generally allowed, but check for any specific restrictions within certain areas. The lighting is beautiful for photos.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic convent, learn about the lives of cloistered nuns, climb the bell tower for city views, and browse the on-site shops selling natural products.
Some visitors report spooky experiences, with one TikTok mentioning 'a thousand scares' during their visit. +1
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and its grounds, and perhaps longer if you plan to climb the bell tower and shop.
Children might find the history interesting, but the 'haunted' aspect might be more engaging for older kids. The commercial aspect might not appeal to all.
The monastery sells various goods, including natural health products reportedly made by the nuns.
📸 📸 Photography
The bell tower offers stunning panoramic views of Quito. The courtyards and architectural details within the convent are also highly photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally permitted, but always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions regarding specific areas.
Mornings offer beautiful natural light that enhances the architecture and colors. The golden hour before sunset can also provide dramatic lighting.
While generally allowed, avoid using flash in dimly lit areas or where it might disturb other visitors.
Use terms like 'Santa Catalina Monastery photos,' 'Quito historic center,' 'colonial architecture,' and 'monastery views.' [^SEO]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a guide to make the history more engaging. Also, the shops selling natural products might offer unique souvenirs that kids would enjoy. Ensure comfortable footwear for everyone, as the old city streets can be uneven.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save further, consider walking to the monastery if you're staying nearby, rather than taking a taxi. Pack your own water and snacks, as on-site purchases can add up. The experience itself, with its historical insights and city views, offers great value for the admission price.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the intricate details of the convent's courtyards, arches, and religious artifacts. The natural light in the mornings is ideal for highlighting the textures and colors of the adobe structures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Monastery's Identity: Convent, Museum, or Marketplace?
Today, it operates primarily as a museum, offering a window into the lives of these contemplative nuns. However, it also has a significant commercial aspect, selling various goods. This blend of historical preservation and commerce is a key characteristic to understand before your visit.
Visitors should approach Santa Catalina Monastery with an understanding of its multifaceted nature. It's a place to learn about history, appreciate architecture, and engage with local crafts and products.
Navigating Quito's Historic Center
Many of the old city's streets are cobblestoned and can be uneven, making them difficult for those using wheelchairs or with mobility issues. Furthermore, braille signage is not widely available, which can be a barrier for visually impaired visitors. It's advisable to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking.
Despite these challenges, the historic center is best explored on foot to truly appreciate its charm. Consider hiring a local guide who can provide historical context and navigate the area more easily.
The Allure of Natural Products
Visitors often highlight these products as a special souvenir or a way to take a piece of the monastery's heritage home. While specific details about the ingredients or benefits are usually provided at the point of sale, their origin adds a layer of intrigue.
When visiting, take the time to explore the on-site shops. You might discover unique remedies or artisanal goods that reflect the convent's legacy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit