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The convent was founded by Juana Rodríguez Maldonado in 1419 and was in fact built on the site of her own mansion, of which some Mudejar vestiges still remain. The building was designed by Juan de Álava and Rodrigo gil de Hontañón. The two-story cloister encloses an irregular pentagonal courtyard. On the lower level, graceful segmental arches are supported by plinthed columns. Along the upper level, the straight lintel rests on a series of columns, featuring squat bases and ornately worked composite capitals. It has to be said that the sculptural artistry visible in the detail displays a mastery verging on pure genius. The expressiveness and vigor with which the figures twist and writhe seems to hint at Berruguete's influence. The view from the second story is one of Salamanca's best.
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Western Europe
