Convento de Carmelitas Descalzas

Construction of the Convento de las Carmelitas Descalzas was opened on 19 October, 1675. In the Mannerist style, it was financed with donations by the families of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The convent occupies almost a whole block of rectangular proportions, with the entrance on the street of the same name.

The simple exterior façades form a unique area within the Barrio Alto, the doorway is decorated with a superior niche with the anagrams of Jesus and Mary on the sides, a semi-circular arch and split pediments. Behind there is the lathe, decorated with plinths of 17th century Seville tiles, and above it a painting depicting the prophet Elías. The cloister features three courtyards, the garden and a simple well bordered by shrubs and plants. The convent rooms include an austere refectory with benches of masonry and a pulpit for readings, visiting rooms, the nun's cells, church, choirs, sacristy, a recreation room, the library…

The interior houses interesting works of art, paintings, an exhibition of religious art and the Main Altarpiece of the Church, in Baroque style, by Pedro Relings. Equally interesting are the two choirs, which open into the church in the Main Chapel. Next to the grille of the choir, you'll find the communion window where the nuns take communion. It is decorated in bright colours and was completed in the late 18th century.

The Library of the Community houses important literary works, amongst which there is a great treasure, the Codex of Barrameda, a manuscript which gathers the poetic work of San Juan de la Cruz and unique with handwritten notes by the Saint, as well as a letter from Santa Teresa de Jesús.

In 2019 the religious community left the convent, and it has been closed since then.