Rectory of Santa Rosa de Lima (Las Rosas)

⛪ The Golden Treasure and its Secrets ✨

If you're already marveling at the Conservatory and enjoying the atmosphere in the Rose Garden, look up at the adjacent temple. You'll notice something curious right away: It has no tower, it's just a bell tower. But don't be fooled by its austere exterior; you're about to enter one of Morelia's most impressive and symbolic Baroque gems.

🗝️ Mysteries in the Facade and the Gates Before entering, pause for a minute outside. The facade is an open book carved from quarry stone with medallions of saints like Saint Fermin and Saint Teresa, but the real secret lies in the wood. If you look closely at the old gates, you will discover strange faces carved into the rock, known as “vegetable-men”. These are figures of medieval lineage (faces among leaves and branches) that have withstood sun and rain for centuries. A hidden Gothic detail amidst the Baroque! 🌿👀

🧱 Fortress Below, Palace Above If you look at the Conservatory building (the old school) with an architect's eye, you'll notice an interesting contrast:

• Ground floor: It is enclosed, with thick walls and almost no windows, designed like a fortress to protect the closure.

• Upper Floor: It opens to the world with beautiful archways and terraces, giving it that unique and airy image that we enjoy today.

✨ A Gold-Plated Interior As you cross the threshold, prepare to hold your breath. The interior contrasts sharply with the street: it's a burst of golden light. The temple protects Churrigueresque wooden altarpieces, covered in gold, are a visual marvel. It seeks divine balance: one side altarpiece is dedicated exclusively to male saints, and the one opposite to female saints.

🎶 Refuge for Orphans and Widows This place has a deep soul. Built from 1743, It wasn't just an elite school. It was a noble haven for poor orphaned Spanish girls, and even for some widows seeking refuge. It was they, the famous "Rositas," who, under the protection of the Dominican nuns, brought this space to life, singing behind the heavy bells and wrought iron railings of the high choir that you can still see today.

👀 The “Confessionals” on the Wall One last detail for experts: notice the windows with grilles embedded in the side walls. They look like balconies, but they actually functioned as confessionals and communication points, allowing the inmates to participate in the liturgy without breaking their enclosure.

📍 Why visit it from Pátzcuaro? Porque es una experiencia íntima y reveladora. A diferencia de la inmensidad de nuestra Basilica, el Templo de las Rosas te abraza con su historia de protección y arte. Es el sitio ideal para sentarse en una banca, buscar los rostros ocultos en la madera y sentir cómo el siglo XVIII sigue vivo.