Historic Significance

In the city of Puebla de los Angeles there was only one convent during the later part of the 16th Century. The Priest Leonardo Ruiz de la Peña wanted to build another one in honor of the Virgin Maria.

The Parish priest rode horseback to visit the nearby communities and ranches. One day he left the parish and while trying to cross the river, there was a flash flood which dragged the horse and rider in its current. At this time he promised to build a new convent in exchange for his salvation. Legend states that a figure in a white tunic and blue mantel took his arm and pulled him from the raging river. Grateful for his life the priest founded the Convent of the Inmaculate Conception on February 24th, 1593.

The Order of the Conception was the wealthiest in Puebla. Each novice was required to be of pure spanish blood and give a dowry. The size of her room depended upon the size of the dowry. If the novice had a talent for music or voice, this gift was not required. The Choir of the Conception was the finest in the city.

During the Laws of Reform in 1860 the Convent was expropriated and converted into an army headquarters. It played an important role in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

The property deteriorated until 1988 when the local architect, Rodolfo Jimenez Brito, created a Trust with several investors and began the restoration of the Convent. In 1996 the Camino Real Puebla opened its doors to the public.