The Magic of the Cities.

Zen promotes the rediscovery of the obvious, which is so often lost in its familiarity and simplicity. It sees the miraculous in the common and magic in our everyday surroundings. When we are not rushed, and our minds are unclouded by conceptualizations, a veil will sometimes drop, introducing the viewer to a world unseen since childhood. ~ John Greer

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

A Monastery in the Forest


The park's name, Desierto de los Leones, is largely due to the Carmelite monastery situated just north of its center. Carmelite monks called their residences “deserts”. But the exact origin of “de los Leones” is not known. The first monastery complex was constructed between 1606 and 1611. By 1711, this structure had deteriorated greatly. It was demolished and a new one was built in its place adjoining just south of the original complex. By the end of the 18th century, the cold, damp weather and increasingly frequent visitors forced the monks to move their monastery to Tenancingo in 1801. The monastery was declared a national monument on 16 May 1937. The 18th-century structure has a number of areas that have been restored and opened to the public. In addition to the old monastery, the park attracts visitors for the nature that surrounds the complex. The park offers activities such as day camping, overnight camping, hiking and mountain biking.


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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That really is a fabulous shot! Brilliant composition and perspective.

Gattina said...

Love the old part of the Monastery !

Villrose said...

Very nice shot of this special place.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Very interesting post. I wonder why they called their residences deserts. Could they mean oasis but didn't want to say so because that's much too luxurious. This structure reminds me a bit of the California missions that were built in the 18th century.

Take 25 to Hollister