Leyenda del Arco Del Carmen
The magic that that door possessed was very powerful.
Legend has it that any traveler who crosses through the gate of the Ciudad Real will stay there forever. The magic that that door possessed was very powerful. The majestic monument attracted all the travelers who wandered around, making them fall in love with its beautiful architecture and bright colors. His figure projected confidence and his bow enticed travelers to pass under him. It was no coincidence that they were drawn to that door, because deep down they knew that if they walked through it they would be happy for the rest of their lives.
It all started in the year 1680, in Ciudad Real, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. The Convent of La Encarnación, better known as the Temple of Carmen, built a monument that over time would become a magical place in San Cristóbal de las Casas. The nuns of the Convent of La Encarnación decided to raise funds for the construction of the bell tower of the convent, but the only place where that building could be built was on the Paso Real. This important street goes from the convent of La Encarnación to the town square, so the administrator of the convent asked the San Cristóbal de las Casas City Council for permission to build the bell tower on the main street. After several negotiations, the City Council agreed to the request with the sole condition that the Paso Real not be obstructed. This is how the Arco del Carmen was built. The colossal building had three floors: at the top was the bell tower. The middle floor served as a corridor for the nuns to cross from one side to the other to the convent rooms, without breaking the closing vow. On the ground floor, the famous arch was built over the main street, so that people could continue passing through without being obstructed.
Over time, the Arco del Carmen, located on the edge of San Cristóbal de las Casas, became a landmark for all the people who passed through there. In a few years, this characteristic building became the main entrance and the gate to the Royal City. The Arco del Carmen symbolizes the door of adventure. Anyone who crossed under it would stay forever in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Source: Majo Serrano