Seville has no less than 17 functioning women's convents. Many are flourishing while others are in decline, very small, or hard to find. The most interesting and accessible one is the Convento de Santa Paula, which has regular open hours and occasional guided tours.

The convent is the home of Jerónimas nuns (followers of St. Jerome), and dates from 1475. The facade, a fine example of the "Catholic Monarch's style," dates from 1503. Gothic, mudéjar, and Renaissance decorations can all be seen.

The main cloister dates from the 16th century. The church has a single nave, with a ceiling dating from 1623 and a Baroque altarpiece from 1730. There is also a small museum with various ecclesiastical art and sculpture from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

The convent offers infrequent tours in Spanish led by a cloistered nun. It is probably best to call ahead if you have your heart set on a tour.

Quick Facts on Santa Paula Convent

Site Information
Names:	Convento de Santa Paula · Santa Paula Convent
Country:	Spain
Categories:	monasteries
Styles:	Gothic; Mudejar
Dedication:	St. Paula
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	37.396286° N, 5.985489° W
Address:	Santa Paula Seville, Spain
Phone:	95-453-63-30
Hours:	Tue-Sun 10:30am-1pm and 4:30-6:30pm
Lodging:	View hotels near Santa Paula Convent

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Convento de Santa Paula - Frommers.com

More Information

• Photos of Santa Paula Convent - here on Sacred Destinations