Based on a proposal from the National Library of Peru (BNP), the Ministry of Culture declared twenty-seven bibliographic units from the Library of the Convent of Santa Rosa de Ocopa as Cultural Heritage of the Nation (PCN, by its Spanish acronym).
This convent, which celebrated 300 years since its founding in Junín, is considered the most important bibliographic repository in the central region of the country.
Among the bibliographic treasures are rare European and Peruvian very old books printed during the XV Century, which stand out due to their material uniqueness that sets them apart from other copies.
Within the selected bibliographic units, one can identify globally and continentally relevant authors such as Erasmus of Rotterdam, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Pedro Cieza de León, and José de Acosta, as well as notable printers like Antonio Ricardo and Jerónimo de Contreras.
Additionally, the ex libris of the Convent, of apostolic preacher Manuel Albarrán, of German bibliophile Amadei (Amadeo) Svayer, and autograph notes from theologian and bishop of Cusco, Agustín de Gorrichátegui.
Stamps from religious institutions, such as the Convent of Huaraz destroyed during the 1970 earthquake, also stand out.
The twenty-seven works provide valuable information about the early years of printed books (15th and 16th centuries), as well as important historical data on the geography, politics, religion, and culture of the Peruvian viceroyalty and other Spanish colonies in the Americas, corresponding to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
The Convent of Santa Rosa de Ocopa, was founded on April 19, 1725, by Friar Francisco Jiménez de San José, of the Discalced Franciscan order. The Peruvian Government declared it Cultural Heritage of the Nation on June 10, 1955, through Law No. 12340.
In this way, the National Library of Peru renews its commitment as an institution that safeguards bibliographic and documentary assets that form part of the country's cultural legacy.
In March, the Functional Unit for the Valuation and Defense of Bibliographic and Documentary Heritage (UVDP) of the National Library of Peru carried out a review and technical evaluation of the bibliographic and documentary material held in the Library of the Convent of Santa Rosa de Ocopa.
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(FIN) CFS/JMP/ MDV
Publicado: 5/5/2025