El Noviciado Jesuitico was founded in 1608 on the corners of what is now Avenida Colon with Rivera Indarte on instructions from Rome as the Manzana de los Jesuitas was already becoming too small to house the increasing number of new young recruits. But the project was delayed due to lack of funds. In 1700 two Munica brothers donated their house, which the Jesuits then converted into the Noviciado.

One of the most important additions was to be the chapel, reputedly designed by architect Johann Krauss. The project commenced with building the Cripta Jesuita (crypt) but plans became too grandiose and orders from Rome came to suspend it while the novices were sent back to the Manzana. So half finished it remained, when the house took on a different role to become the Casa de Ejercicios de la Compania de Jesus. After the Jesuits were expelled in 1767 it passed into the hands of the Betlemitas order who ran the local hospital San Roque.

In the early 1900s the crypt was subsequently filled in and covered over until in 1989 a telephone company was transferring cables underground on busy Avenida Colon and the crypt was once again uncovered. Today the space of the three naves of the crypt - which comprise thick rock walls, some lined with red brick, interspersed with large pillars - hosts a variety of events from tango meets and theatre performances to concerts and exhibitions. Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.