The Monastery of St. Joseph, popularly known as the Convent of the Nuns Locked, was founded in 1589 under the direction of the Bishop of the Diocese, Ilmo. Mr. D. Peter Manso de Zúñiga. This temple represents the first baroque carmelite, characterized by its austerity, elegance and sobriety.
The architectural design is reflected in its stone façade, which takes the form of a triumphal arch and frame a niche that houses a baroque image of San Jose from a workshop in madrid. This image was donated by the patrons José González Uzqueda and Catalina Valdés, whose shields supersede those of the Order, a characteristic which adds character to the facade.
One of the main artistic attractions of the church is the relief of the Altar, which exhibited eleven paintings by madrid that narrate the life of Santa Teresa. In the center of the altar is a sculptural group of the Holy Family, of the baroque school castellana. These elements, together with the paintings, provide an immeasurable value to the temple.
To the side of the transept are two retablitos side. In one venerates an Virgen del Carmen style vallisoletano, and on the other, highlights the Christ tied to the column, a work of Gregorio Fernández of the baroque, 1625. This sculpture is without doubt the most important piece of the church. His contemplation invites you to see in detail the serene expression of suffering on his face, the perfection in anatomy, the work of curly hair, and the strength of the position of the body, with the hands, legs and the whole show the pain content in a sublime way.
It is not only a religious space, but also an important artistic legacy that keeps the masterpieces of Spanish baroque, making this convent a must for those who wish to learn more about the history and the art of Calahorra.
