To our left, we see before us the Convent of Our Lady of the Snows, a spot of major historical promi-nence. Founded in 1675 by the Jesuit Fathers under the name of Saint Chatherine’s College, this institu-tion was put to use as an educational facility until the Jesuits in Spain were expelled by King Charles the Third in 1767. Afterwards, the convent was overseen by the Mercedarian Fathers from 1785 onwards, following a royal grant.
Inside its walls, the faithful worship Our Lady of the Snows with great fervour. As the tradition states, this hallowed image was unearthed by one of a group of shepherds in the thirteenth century, hidden out of sight by the Christians following their withdrawal from the Muslims. During periods of drought, the image is displayed during processions through the streets, fervently begging her to intercede for the rains to return, In 1640, the Council of Canons, in response to popular clamour, decreed that the 5th of August would be a public holiday in her honour. Furthermore, in 1737, she was named as the joint patron saint of Arcos, thus bolstering her link with the people.
Nowadays, our current patron saint is Our Lady of the Rosary, who holds the title of protector and spiritu-al guide in the region, worshiped by all inhabitants in Arcos with widespread devotion.
Follow me as we head towards the Monastery of the Nuns of the Immaculate Conception, the next point on our list.