Mendicant orders developed in the towns and cities. Early in the 13th century, large numbers of monasteries and convents linked to the various orders - Mercedarians, of local origin, Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites and Augustines - were built. During the 14th century, the old Romanesque churches were replaced with new buildings in the Gothic style. The new larger and more slender constructions were made possible thanks to the financial support of the city's merchants and worthy citizens, and to the work of the artisans and hired labourers.