Construction began in 1739 on this small church and school dedicated to St. Jerome and by 1759 it was complete. It did not last long as a school, and served the colonial government as a customs house, barracks and stables. After the 1773 earthquake, it was abandoned, inhabited only by families who moved in without the permission of the authorities. It served as a tannery in the 1800's and as a granary in the 1930's before being restored. Today, it's a peaceful haven in a bustling area of town. The maze of fallen masonry is well-maintained and neat, and the site is occasionally host to cultural events such as concerts.