For the fourth time, an international volunteer camp will be held at the former convent of St. Francis of Assisi in Calpan, whose foundation dates back to the 16th century. The importance of this complex lies mainly in the temple's façade, which, along with four chapels, constitutes one of the most remarkable 16th-century ensembles in Mexico. These chapels, built around 1555, feature reliefs carved in stone with theological scenes. They are dedicated to the following saints: San Miguel, San Juan Evangelista, La Asunción and San Francisco. They all have a very similar architectural composition, differing only in their ornamental design of great artistic value. These chapels are an integral part of the historical and cultural wealth of the former convent, and their beauty continues to captivate visitors.

The town of Calpan, where the monastery is located, was an ancient Nahuatl community before Spanish colonization, and is now one of 217 municipalities in the Mexican state of Puebla, south of Mexico City. The site lies 30km west of the city of Puebla, at the foot of the famous Popocatepetl volcano, a Nahuatl term that breaks down into popoca, meaning "to emit smoke", and tepetl, meaning "mountain".

Volunteers will learn and practice traditional restoration, construction and lime-painting techniques, and help to clean and restore the most damaged parts of the monastery under the supervision of the relevant authorities. They will also take part in the cleaning of certain chapels in the courtyard of the former convent.

The objectives of the project are to attract more tourists to the area, to contribute to local development initiatives, and to evaluate and enhance the local tangible and intangible heritage.

Volunteers will be accommodated in a house with all amenities. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Meals will be prepared by the volunteers.

During their free time, volunteers will visit emblematic sites in the commune and discover the gastronomic heritage of this magical place.

Supervised by the AMVIAC association, the volunteers will also have the opportunity to give a presentation of their country's heritage to students and local people, and to conduct a survey of the site's management authorities by interviewing tourists and members of the community.

Please note: a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay is required!

No specific skills are required to take part in the workcamp.

In the days following your pre-registration, the International Relations Department will contact you by e-mail to arrange a telephone conversation.

This will enable us to get to know you better and give you more details about the workcamp (organization, arrival arrangements, etc.).

You'll be able to ask us any questions you may have, and let us know what you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

You will then receive a roadmap summarizing all useful information about the site.

A pre-departure meeting will also be organized a few weeks before the worksite.

How to get there :

REMPART will help you organize your trip and provide you with all the information you need to book your tickets and get to the site.