Temple and Former Convent of La Santa Cruz

Temple and Former Convent of La Santa Cruz. In the mid-17th century, the Franciscans built the church and convent. Over time, it has witnessed many historical events and undergone various restorations and modifications. Since 1683, it served as the headquarters of the Colegio de Misioneros de Propaganda Fide, one of the most important schools for evangelizers in the Americas. One of its most notable students was Fray Junípero Serra, a key evangelizer in northern Mexico.

In the early 19th century, with the start of the independence movement, the Temple and Former Convent of La Santa Cruz became the prison of the corregidor of Querétaro, Don Miguel Domínguez. A few years later, Iturbide seized it to gain control over Querétaro from the hill. Maximilian was also temporarily imprisoned in the Convent of La Santa Cruz, and some say that if you are in the sanctuary's cemetery at midnight, you might encounter Maximilian's shadow.

The site is full of stories and legends, one of which features the Tree of Crosses, located in the convent's orchard. This unusual tree has the peculiarity of having thorns shaped like crosses, with each cross bearing three smaller thorns that resemble the nails of the crucifixion. It does not produce flowers or fruit and only has tiny leaves. According to legend, the missionary Antonio de Margil de Jesús planted his staff in the garden, and over time it became this strange tree.

The façade is austere, featuring a large portico topped by a triangular pediment. Inside, it houses a carved stone replica of the Holy Cross that appeared in the sky on July 25, 1531, an event that, according to legend, led to the founding of the city. Visitors can also admire beautiful pink stone altarpieces, some in the Baroque style and others in the Neoclassical style.