Built in multiple phases beginning in 1523, the convent church of San José has evolved over time bearing witness to the religious, political, and cultural life of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean world. While the church has remained in the hands of the Catholic Archdiocese throughout its history, stewardship has passed between the Dominican, Jesuit, and Vincentian orders, each contributing to its complex history. Of particular architectural significance is the early Isabelline Gothic ribbed vault construction, which incorporates tinajones (Spanish ceramic amphora) between the roof vaults of the sanctuary and transept, an unusual construction technique that dates to Antiquity and was brought to the New World by Spanish builders. The surviving 17th century painted interior of the Rosario Chapel has particular significance due to a past restoration which removed almost all of the original plasters in the main church, thus making the chapel a rare survivor.

 

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