One of the most notable institutions of Querétaro was the college of Apostolic missionaries, which Innocent XI called the greatest influence for the propagation of the faith in the Indies.

Adjoining the residence of the bishop in the capital near the church of La Cruz, is the Convent of La Cruz, occupied as headquarters by Maximilian during the siege of the city by General Escobedo in May, 1867.

The Capuchin Convent was used as a prison for the Emperor Maximilian and his two generals, Miguel Miramón and Tomás Mejía.

It was on the hill of Las Campanas on the outskirts of the town that these generals were shot, June 19, 1867.

An elaborate mortuary chapel has replaced the former modest monument erected on the site.