You have probably walked past this building without knowing that behind its walls lies centuries of history. The Casa de los Camilos is a building in Coyoacán that went from being a rest home and hospital to a prison. Nowadays, you can sleep in its rooms!
According to the INAH, the house was built in the 18th century to be the residence of the Camilos. This religious order is also known as the Order of Ministers of the Sick, as its founder was the Italian priest Saint Camillus de Lellis, who cared for the sick. Thus, in addition to living there, the Camilos used to care for their patients.
At that time, the mansion was known as El Rosedal, as the gardens were full of roses. When the members of the order were secularized, the house passed into the hands of the Department of Corrections of the former Tecpan de Santiago.
Photo:
https://lugares.inah.gob.mx/
Remember that Tecpan de Santiago served as a government house that administered the indigenous communities. Then, the former residence of the Camilos became a juvenile correctional facility.
Many years later, during the 1920s, the house was acquired by restaurateur Guadalupe Toriello de Villada and made available for various purposes: a café, a cinema, a residence, and even offices.
The former Casa de los Camilos in Coyoacán became the El Convento restaurant
Some time later, in 1957, the El Convento restaurant was established, a place serving traditional Mexican cuisine that attracted many diners, not only for its flavor, but also for the beauty of its spaces.
Currently, the place has been adapted with rooms for lodging, which you can rent through various booking apps. Imagine spending the night in this two-century-old building!
As for the restaurant, it was still open until very recently; however, some diners have reported that the place is now closed.
But don’t worry, because Coyoacán has plenty of options for eating and having a good time. Here are some recommendations that will delight your palate.
Photo:
https://lugares.inah.gob.mx/
Without a doubt, Casa de los Camilos is one of those architectural treasures that remind us that Mexico City is built on layers of history. Whether you’re looking for a night of rest with a colonial feel or simply want to admire its imposing facade, this building remains a silent witness to the neighborhood’s transformation.
If you want to visit it and discover its legendary walls for yourself, you will find it at 96 Fernández Leal Street , in the picturesque Barrio de la Concepción neighborhood of Coyoacán. An essential destination for history lovers walking through the south of the city!