Introduction
Walk down Sant Gervasi de Cassoles street, in the Sarrià neighborhood, and come across a historic building: the convent of the Mercedarias Misioneras.
The old The core of the neighborhood, Sant Gervasi de Cassoles street, hides one of the most historic buildings in Sarrià: the convent of the Mercedàries Missioneres.
In 1860, the Mercedarians founded the school for external girls and boarding schools, and a free school for working-class girls. During the Civil War, the temples and religious schools were collectivized and their functions changed to dependencies of the Provisional Government of the Second Republic. Sant Gervasi, an area with abundant religious heritage, underwent an intense transformation during the war. The convent of Las Mercedarias housed a blood hospital, and at the end of the war, it served as the neighborhood parish while the incinerated parish of La Bonanova was rebuilt.
Historical background of the convent of the Mercedarian nuns
The convent of the Mercedarian nuns is a historical jewel hidden in the Sant Gervasi neighborhood of Sarrià.
The convent was founded in 1860 by the Mercedarian nuns as a school for external and internal girls, and a free school for working-class girls. During the Spanish Civil War, religious temples and schools were collectivized and their functions changed to dependencies of the Provisional Government of the Second Republic. Sant Gervasi, a neighborhood rich in religious heritage, underwent a profound transformation. The convent served as a hospital for blood transfusions and, once the war ended, it became the neighborhood's parish church.
The impact of the war on the religious heritage of Sant Gervasi
The war had a significant impact on the religious heritage of Sant Gervasi.
Many of the temples and schools were seized and turned into hospitals or other public facilities.
The war left its mark on the religious heritage of Sant Gervasi, which has never been recovered. Buildings that were once symbols of faith and community are now dilapidated and abandoned.
How did this transformation affect the neighborhood?
The religious heritage of Sant Gervasi was seriously affected by the war.
The convent was turned into a hospital and many of the temples and churches into warehouses or factories. This caused great disruption to the community, as religious institutions were an important part of their lives.
After the war, the convent was used as a parish church, helping to rebuild the community. However, the damage caused to the religious heritage of the area can never be repaired.
Adaptations to a changing landscape
You can witness the evolution of the landscape of Sant Gervasi with the convent of the Mercedarias Misioneras as a testimony of its history. This building radiates the way it has endured and adapted to its ever-changing environment, an emblem of resistance through historical upheaval.
Preserving and recognizing the cultural impact of the convent
You will be able to experience the conservation and recognition of this cultural impact when you visit Sant Gervasi. The convent building has now been converted into a cultural center, dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of this area. It is a unique opportunity to learn more about the evolution of the place and its impact on the local community. You will also find several monuments and historical places around the convent, which remind you of its rich religious heritage. By getting to know this religious icon, you will better understand how Sarrià has evolved over time.
Modern interventions in the convent for a new era
You may be wondering: what has happened to this place with such a rich religious heritage? The answer is transformation. For example, the convent underwent several modern interventions to prepare it for a new era. In 2006, it was restored and converted into a hotel that also houses a restaurant, a chapel, and an auditorium. Restoration efforts have also allowed it to maintain its original aesthetic charm, which honors its storied past. Today, the convent is a unique space for reflection and meditation that still preserves some of its ancient religious objects from centuries ago.
Conclusion
This convent has a long and interesting history, worth a visit, is a fascinating look at the transformation of religious heritage in Barcelona.