San Francisco de Nuestra de Señora la Asunción

The Convent of San Francisco de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is a complex of religious buildings just north of the main cathedral of Tlaxcala. An architectural and cultural treasure, it was founded by the Franciscan order during the colonial era and remains one of the most important sites for visitors to the state capital of Tlaxcala.  

The convent complex is characterized by its simple yet imposing architecture, typical of Franciscan buildings: thick walls, interior courtyards, and a single-nave church adorned with Baroque altarpieces and sacred art elements. The façade, though austere, reflects the humility and simplicity of the Franciscan order, while the interior offers an atmosphere of serenity, reflection, and spiritual peace.

Beyond its religious function, the convent also served as a key center for education, agriculture, and interaction with indigenous communities, becoming a powerful engine of social and cultural transformation. Today, it is preserved as a historic site of great value, and is home to the Regional Museum of Tlaxcala which is operated by the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

Visits to the former convent will often include trips into the museum, the churches and chapels, as well as onto the still extensive grounds and gardens. From the main town square, climbing the paved and shaded hill to the convent seems only too natural. And a visit is usually combined with a trip in and around the main points of the historic center. The stairs leading up to the Capilla Mater Dolorosa del Buen Vecino are frequently climbed simply for the views of the capital from up top.