San Pedro Claver

Cartagena, Colombia

Background

The Jesuit community of Cartagena was established in the early seventeenth century and over time a church, school, monastery, and other buildings were erected to allow the priests to carry out their religious and educational duties. The Cloister of San Pedro Claver took on particular cultural significance for its connection to the acts of San Pedro Claver, an advocate for the fair treatment of slaves in the seventeenth century. The Jesuit community was exiled from Cartagena from 1767 until 1896. During the absence of the Jesuits from the site, the complex was used first as a hospital and then as a military base. Since its return to the Jesuits, the complex has functioned as a parish church and the headquarters .of the Centro de Estudios de la Raza Afrocaribe, There is also a museum with displays about San Pedro Claver as well as art and archaeological finds from the region. In 1995, the complex was named a National Cultural Landmark in Cartagena. Since that time the Universidad Javeriana has conduct studies on the conditions and conservation needs of the cloister. The Universidad Javeriana performed technical studies, including an archaeological survey completed in 1998, and developed a conservation plan for the cloister in 2002.

How We Helped

The cloister had been plagued by water infiltration, which had led to the decay of the wooden beams supporting the structure. As a precautionary measure, metal support beams were installed to strengthen the support of the second floor gallery in the east wing. In 2006, WMF began conservation on the gallery floor of the east wing with the help of a highly qualified technical team assembled by Universidad Javeriana. The first phase of the plan involved the removal of both the existing clay floor planks and the supporting mortar platform. The decayed wooden beams were also removed and replaced with new beams to support the new clay floor and the reinforced concrete platforms. By 2007 preservation was complete.

Why It Matters

The complex of San Pedro Claver is a vestige of the legacy of the Jesuits in the New World and exemplifies the craftsmanship and beauty of the Baroque ecclesiastical architecture completed in historic centers such as Cartagena. In 1984, Cartegena’s port, fortresses, and an ensemble of historic monuments were inscribed on the World Heritage list, further underlining the importance of the city, its history, and its cultural significance. San Pedro Claver and the complex of Jesuit buildings deserve conservation and recognition because they are not merely remnants of colonial heritage rather, the complex and, in particular, the cloister, symbolize the extraordinary efforts of San Pedro Claver to improve the lives of those less fortunate.

Last updated: February 2019.

Join us in safeguarding significant places.