“Descendit de Caelis”. Liturgy, Architecture and Theatre in the Dominican Castilian Nunneries in the Late Middle Ages

Abstract

Both the liturgy and paraliturgies or ceremonies linked to it within the nunneries in the Iberian Peninsula still remain almost unknown. However, by applying a new and integrating approach, which has made little impact in the historiography of women’s monasticism in this area, we can trace the development of some of these practices, as well as the role of nuns in their shaping and performing, the use of some artifacts, and the spaces in which representations were carried out. Additionally, opposed to the traditional consideration of the Franciscan preeminence in the origins of religious plays, I argue the role of Dominican nuns and friars in their development.