Friary of San Francisco with large cross, glossed 24

This is the image representing the headquarters of the Franciscan order in New Spain. The cross located on the images represents a cross that was erected during the early 16th century and made out of two large cypress trees. It reportedly stood taller than any building in the city (as is reflected by this image) and was estimated to be approximately 200 feet tall. It is also important for the purposes of dating the map as the cross reportedly fell down toward the end of the 16th century. The canal running adjacent to the image also demonstrates the ability for Nahuas to transport goods via canoe directly to the friary and their principal chapel of San Josef. The steeple in this image represents the Spanish chapel of San Francisco. The trees in the courtyard around the cross represent the large trees that had stood there during both the prehispanic period and the colonial period. Looking at the upper left-hand corner of the wall it is possible to see a posa (or small chapel) as was traditionally present in convent walls during this period. The three large windows in the center potentially represent the cloister where the Franciscans lived, the sacristy of the indigenous chapel of San Josef, or both.