Historic Significance

The history of the amazingly beautiful Camino Real Oaxaca began in the 16th century when Carlos V of Spain awarded Hernan Cortes a land grant, the Valley of Oaxaca, for his conquest of Mexico.

The Ex-Convent de Santa Catalina was founded in 1576 by the Bishop Bernardo de Alburquerque as the second monastery in the New Spain for the Dominican nuns. This religious order occupied the convent for almost 300 years.

In 1862 when the Laws of Reform were applied by President Benito Juarez, the church properties were nationalized and the monasteries were closed. The nuns were ordered to abandon the facilities, and their home was converted into municipal offices and the local jail until 1972.

After an extensive restoration process, the Ex-Convent opened its doors to the public as part of the Presidente Hotel chain in 1975. It is now under the administration of the prestigious Camino Real group.