La Recolección Architectural Complex is a former church and monastery of the Order of the Recollects (Ordo Fratrum Minorum Recollectorum)and its adjacent park in Antigua, Guatemala. It is located in the western part of the old city.
In 1685 two missionaries of the friars of the Recollects arrived, and with more arriving in subsequent years, the City Council was asked for permission to build a monastery. In their 1695 report, the City Council opined that not enough friars were there to support this enterprise and that already enough monasteries been established, nevertheless, in 1700 a royal decree was issued for the building of the monastery.[1] In 1701 construction of buildings commenced, followed six years later by the laying of the cornerstone for the Church itself. In 1708 the cloisters, library, and infirmary were completed. The church was inaugurated on May 23, 1717. A few months later Antigua was afflicted by the 1717 earthquakes damaging the church and the cloisters. After repairs, the monastery housed 35 friars in 1740.[1] The complex suffered again in the 1751 earthquakes and more so in the devastating Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773.[1] Man-made destruction demolished further the complex, thus remnants were used as stable, as a soap factory, and as a sport complex. Materials were removed for outside construction.
Today the impressive ruins surrounded by park land are protected and represent a National monument. Big boulders of brick are found mainly in the church. The court yards of the cloisters can be entered. Access to the catacombs is closed.