History
Live the history in a 17th century convent
A journey through our history
If these walls could talk, they would first recount the faith and dedication of their founder, Reverend Mother María de Santo Tomé, whose life is documented as exemplary in her printed biography. They would bitterly lament the French occupation: in February 1810, Commander Guillot, serving under General Bonet, set up the invaders’ barracks in the building, forcing the nuns to take refuge in the secluded valley of Ardisana. They would also weep for the expulsion of the nuns by the disentailment laws on November 13, 1868, and they would smile when remembering the antics and misadventures of the numerous students who, since 1873, have passed through the classrooms of the College of the Incarnation.
In the ancient refectory, engraved in red on the stone lintel of the fireplace, this phrase surprises the traveler:
“If you close the door to all errors, you will leave out the truth”
The truth and curiosity is that the quote from the Bengali poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore would have been very much to the liking of Agustín himself, who in his time had a hard time with Pelagio, an Irish ascetic, tall and strong as a mountain, who claimed that, since we know what is right and what is wrong, doing what we have to do depends only on our will. San Agustin rebelled against this doctrine – which, to us, men and women of the 21st century, however, seems so valid – affirming that the human condition is error, that it is in our nature to fall, that the merit lies in getting up, and that perfection can only come through grace.
"TAKE AND READ"
The mandate, repeated twice “tolle, lege; tolle, lege”, emphasizing its imperative condition, remains as the motto of the coat of arms of the main dome of the church of the former Agustinas convent from the 17th century (today Hotel Don Paco). Following that voice, St. Augustine would begin a path – in the search for true knowledge and wisdom – whose fruits we continue to reap today. Not many years later, St. Benedict of Nursia would continue his work laying the foundations of Western monasticism, thanks to which, not only the classical thought and culture are transmitted and preserved, but they are also vivified and humanized with the universal message of brotherhood and hope of Christianity. We are witnessing the birth of the great Western civilization.
The Indian benefactors of Llanes and its surroundings made a great effort so that the disentailed convent of Augustinian nuns could become an excellent school. These adventurers, who had thrown themselves into the world with nothing but the clothes on their backs, without more schooling than hard work in the fields with goats and cows, knew well the value of education. It’s all in the books, they would say. Aware of the whims of fortune, whose setbacks came at them relentlessly in the form of hurricanes, earthquakes, revolutions, and shootings, they knew that the most precious possession is that which cannot be taken from you even by taking away your life. It is knowledge and truth that make us free.
Throughout its eventful existence, this ancient and noble building has been a convent, barracks, and school; today, converted into a comfortable hotel, it offers its history and charm to the traveler.
General Bonet, military and historical leader, recognized for his career and commitment to the defense and organization of his time, leaving a legacy of discipline and service that endures to this day.
Faustino Sobrino Díaz
Llanes (Asturias), 15.II.1827 – México, 13.IX.1884. Immigrant, businessman, and philanthropist, along with his brothers, Nemesio and Sinforiano, was the main patron for the foundation of the College of the Incarnation. He would also found a shelter in Llanes so that the “indianos de maleta al agua” would not spend their last days far from their land and/or in poverty.
A restaurant in the heart of history
The baroque chapel, designed by Ignacio de Caxigal, houses our restaurant, a space where history and elegance blend with tranquility. This unique setting is complemented by a cozy terrace, perfect for enjoying gastronomy in a relaxed and charming atmosphere in the Villa de Llanes.
