Historia y Arte del Monasterio de Dominicas de San Miguel y Santa Isabel de Trujillo (siglos XV-XX)

Description

Abstract

This work presents a comprehensive study of the history, spiritual life, and artistic heritage of the Dominican Convent of San Miguel y Santa Isabel in Trujillo, from its foundation in the late 15th century to the 20th century. Drawing on surviving archival records, the research reconstructs the institutional development of the community, its ties with the Order of Preachers, and its role within the religious and social fabric of Trujillo. The monastery is examined as a female contemplative center, where prayer, enclosure, and liturgical practice shaped a distinct communal identity. The study further analyzes the convent architecture, liturgical furnishings, devotional painting and sculpture, and everyday objects that structured monastic life. The convent’s influence on urban culture and its connections with local noble families are highlighted, as well as its adaptation to broader ecclesiastical reforms. The work places particular emphasis on the continuity of the contemplative vocation, illustrating how the community endured periods of prosperity, hardship, and renewal while maintaining its spiritual mission. Overall, the study demonstrates the monastery’s significance as a religious, cultural, and artistic landmark in the history of Trujillo.