San Jose Convent

Founded in 1609 by Francisca Labayen, who ceded her own tower-house for the purpose, San José Convent was one of the first Carmelite Convents in the Basque Country to follow the reforms instituted by Saint Teresa.

The building reflects the more sober rules introduced by the reform and only those parts of the main facade added at the beginning of the 20th century provide any sense of monumentality.

Special mention should be made, however, of the crucified Christ contained inside the church. This piece belongs to the “romanista” school of the late 16th and early 17th century, and is the work of one of Antxieta's followers. It is possible that it may even be the work of Larrea.