JaiL, CouRT aND CoRN EXCHaNGe
JuSTiCe iN THe MouNTaiNS
Among the building with significant functions that were grouped in this block was the one known as Alhóndiga, or Corn Exchange. This institution worked as a sort of bank and granary, which it lent out for the farmers to sow during hard times, or for those families in need. The loan had to be returned, usually within a year, adding a celemÃn (small grain measure) per each fanega (larger grain measure) taken, as interest.
The disappearance of this institution and the designation of Sequeros as the head of the Judicial District in 1834 were the reason for this building to become the Magistrate's Court. Beside it was the old prison. Both buildings had to be close to each other, since the defendants had to be in the cells, before or after their trial. These were sombre and damp, often overcrowded due to the many affairs that were tried in the large Judicial District of which Sequeros was the head. All this made the construction of a new prison during the early 20th century necessary.