Augustinian Convent and Purisima Church, Salamanca

The El convento de las Agustinas (Augustinian Convent) and Iglesia de la Purísima (Purisima Church) form a cloistered convent complex located in the historic center of the city of Salamanca. It was declared a National Monument by Decree of April 15, 1935.

The foundation of the convent is due to Manuel de Zúñiga y Fonseca, Count of Monterrey, in 1636 to house his daughter, Inés Francisca de la Visitación, who was prioress of the convent. The works finished in 1687. The Convent is located in front of the Palacio de Monterrey, residence of the patron. The Iglesia de la Purísima (Purisima Church), a public part of the convent, was designed by the count as a funeral chapel for himself and his family.

With a Latin cross plan, one nave and chapels on the sides, the church was begun in 1636 according to plans by Bartolomeo Picchiatti, while the five altarpieces, the pulpit, the tombs and the entrance doors were designed by Cosimo Fanzago. (1593-1678), giving a marked Italian character to the construction.