Churches In Cusco Peru: A Complete Guide To Sacred Colonial Architecture

1.- INTRODUCTION: WHERE INCA STONES MEET SPANISH FAITH

When visiting the city of Cusco, you don’t expect to feel a connection with the culture, but that’s exactly what happens. As you walk through its cobbled streets, you can sense how the culture that once existed in this territory remains alive, and you can see how history and time have merged harmoniously, creating places made entirely of faith and stone, known as the Churches in Cusco Peru. This place has a historical legacy, as it is where the Inca culture emerged and, over time, where imposing colonial churches were built to impose the power of European culture over Andean culture. For this, Inca constructions were mainly used as the foundation and support for what we now know as the Churches in Cusco Peru. Fortunately, the passage of time has not managed to destroy this, as thanks to all its cultural and historical aspects, Cusco has been classified not only as a spiritual destination but also as a center of art, faith, and spiritual resistance that is reflected in every altar and stone wall.

2.- Religious heritage of Cusco

Cusco is recognized worldwide as a historical center, but it contains more than just that. In fact, it has an incredible religious heritage within Latin America that is the result of the cultural fusion that exists between Europe and the Andes. The Churches in Cusco Peru are of colonial origin and were created specifically on top of the Inca spiritual centers of worship known as Huacas. They are made almost entirely of stone that originally came from Andean temples. This was done mainly for the purpose of superimposing strength and power in a sense of symbolic domination, which resulted in a particularly unique aesthetic for the city, where the Inca walls made of polished granite are the foundation for buildings that have a Baroque style and unmistakable mestizo art.

3.- Why are the Churches in Cusco Peru, special?

In more ways than one, the Churches in Cusco Peru, are more than just religious destinations. They can even be considered windows into the past in a fascinating way. Upon entering one of these churches, it is possible to learn more about the world of mestizo art, including local legends where faith is transformed, resulting in unique places in the world such as the Cathedral of Cusco, the Society of Jesus, or the famous temple of Santo Domingo. What also stands out here is the perfection in the works of art, not only the paintings but also the gold altarpieces, handmade furniture, and even the final collection of their art galleries. It is undoubtedly an immersion into the culture. For many people who have visited these places, each of the Churches in Cusco Peru, is like a book where it is possible to appreciate the history of the country, where the clash and process of harmony between the two civilizations has been captured.

4.- HISTORICAL CONTEXT

In 1532, with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, a new process began in which the evangelization of the territory and its people predominated. In this way, Andean culture succumbed to the power established by European culture, as evidenced by the destruction of spaces considered sacred or Huacas. A clear example of this can still be seen today in the Temple of the Sun, known as Qoricancha, where the passage of time can be seen at the base of the building, with the result being the Temple of Santo Domingo at the top. For the Spanish, this action of building a structure on the foundations of Andean origin represented a way of imposing their beliefs, or what they considered to be faith. To do this, they first began the destruction of the temple and then reused the same elements to build the new church, thereby unwittingly promoting the union of both cultures.

In this process, it was identified that various religious orders played a very important role in evangelization, which contributed to urban development as a colony and also promoted other aspects such as education, art, and the construction of new religious buildings. The main ones are:

• Dominicans
• Jesuits
• Franciscans
• Augustinians
• Mercedarians
• Diocesan

5.- MUST-VISIT CHURCHES IN CUSCO’S HISTORIC CENTER

5.1.- Cathedral’s Hidden Treasures

At the top of the list of Churches in Cusco Peru, is Cusco Cathedral, originally named the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption. Its origins date back to 1559, when construction began. According to studies and chronology, it is known that its construction took more than a century and was recently completed in 1668. As the most important of the Churches in Cusco Peru, it was built on the site of the former palace that belonged to the Inca Viracocha, also known as Suntur Wasi. Stones were brought exclusively from the upper part of the city, where the archaeological center of Saqsaywaman is currently located.

This construction is undoubtedly one of the most incredible architectural buildings, as from a technical point of view, it harmoniously combines multiple styles, including Renaissance, Gothic, and, most notably, Baroque. At first glance, you can see how the façade features two symmetrical towers at either end, with its main entrance facing the main square, making it a symbol of the city’s spirituality. However, its beauty is not limited to the exterior, but also extends to the interior, as it houses a collection of more than 400 paintings specifically belonging to the Cusco school, as well as other incredible elements such as gold and silver altars and wooden altarpieces in a unique Baroque style.

One of the highlights of the painting collection is undoubtedly the adaptation of a painting created by the master Marcos Zapata, the Andean version of the Last Supper, where Jesus and the apostles are depicted. However, what characterizes this painting is the presence of a guinea pig in the middle of the table, as well as a container said to contain chicha morada, both of which are Andean elements and have been characterized as a living example of the syncretism that exists. Also noteworthy is the image of the Lord of the Earthquakes or Cristo Moreno, who is considered the patron saint of Cusco. During Holy Week, specifically on Monday, he is carried in procession as a tribute and reminder of the event in 1650, when a major earthquake destroyed the city and only ended with his presence.

5.2.- Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía de Jesús)

This is another of the architectural gems that can be found during your tour of the Churches in Cusco Peru. It is known that this building was constructed on the site of the former palace that belonged to the Inca Wayna Capac. It is striking for its impressive façade, which displays its own Baroque style and is built in Andesite stone. This is one of the Churches in Cusco Peru that belongs to the Jesuit order and was built in 1576. However, after the terrible earthquake of 1650, it had to be rebuilt as it was completely destroyed.

Due to its incredible construction, it was a subject of debate for a long time because it rivaled the cathedral, and the ornamentation on its façade is quite similar, clearly showing the ambition that one religious order had over another. However, in more than one respect, both are unique. In the case of this church, it has an incredible art collection, which is finely decorated in gold leaf, as well as furniture made mainly from carved wood and a large collection of paintings. Also noteworthy is the presence of the main altar and its monumental view, as it is more than ten meters high and is considered a masterpiece of the Baroque style. It is also known that this altar is considered the highest in all of Peru.

Its interior also features a high choir loft at the top, offering a special and unique view of the main altar, as well as a close-up view of the dome, which is accessible to travelers who wish to explore more of the interior. There are also multiple figures of many saints, columns decorated in the Solomonic style, and multiple emblems belonging mainly to the Jesuit order. Today, many people use this church as a venue for religious weddings and, of course, liturgical celebrations.

5.3.- Church of San Blas

Among all the Churches in Cusco Peru, this one is considered the oldest in the city of Cusco and is located in the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. It was built on an ancient Inca sanctuary and to this day is considered a jewel of colonial art. This church also has a very welcoming atmosphere where masses are regularly held, mainly attended by local residents.

One of the main treasures inside is the famous wooden pulpit, but what is most incredible is that it is made from a single cedar trunk and is renowned for its exquisite details, as it took more than 30 years to build, with engravings of angels, saints, and demons, giving it a very special symbolic richness. It has been interpreted as representing good and evil, although it has not been found exactly, it is said that the sculptor himself left a self-portrait among the reliefs. There are many legends surrounding this valuable object that tell of its origin. Among them, the most popular is about the pact that this indigenous artist made in exchange for perfection in the finish. He offered his soul in order to obtain a unique piece, and he succeeded, as the level of detail in the work has been compared to other similar pieces in Europe.

6.- OTHER CHURCHES IN CUSCO PERU

6.1.- Church of Santo Domingo

This church is well known mainly for its location. It was built on the remains of what was once considered the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, the most important place in the entire Inca culture, where the Dominican order built this church in the 16th century. To this day, the exterior and interior walls display the polished workmanship characteristic of Inca culture, where the stones have been fitted together so finely that not even a needle could fit between them. Without a doubt, this place is one of the strongest and clearest examples of the combination that existed between Andean and European cultures. Inside, the complex of rooms of Andean origin has been preserved, where you can learn more about the beliefs of this culture, as well as the passage of time, with the addition of the art gallery and other areas that were added recently.

6.2.- Church of San Pedro

It is located in front of the popular traditional market of the same name, San Pedro. It was built in 1688 by the Jesuit order and, due to its location, is considered part of the daily life of the people who live in this area. Today, liturgical ceremonies and religious celebrations are still held there on a regular basis. Its style is sober but harmonious with its surroundings, making it the perfect alternative for those seeking a more private experience with fewer tourists.

6.3.- Church of Santa Clara

Another of the Churches in Cusco Peru, that stands out for its beautiful Baroque style, its construction began in 1602 thanks to the religious order of the Poor Clares. This place also functions as a convent that is still in operation today and is partially closed to the public. It certainly stands out for its columns and pediments, which give it an austere but harmonious appearance. Its location is quite close to the historic center, making it a perfect alternative for curious travelers who want to learn a little more about religious buildings.

6.4.- Church of San Francisco

This is one of the Churches in Cusco Peru, that functions as a monastery and belongs to the Franciscan religious order. Here you will find not only a church but also a convent and cloisters, and it stands out for its impressive colonial library. Inside, you can also see how a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and religious items from the 17th and 18th centuries have been preserved. However, the most impressive part of this place is underground, where you can see crypts or catacombs where the remains of ancient religious figures are known to rest. To this day, you can attend Masses held inside.

7.- RECOGNITION FOR THE WORLD

“Thanks to the architectural duality of the Churches in Cusco Peru, UNESCO declared the historic center of the city a World Heritage Site in 1983, thus also integrating the most emblematic churches.”

Click here to learn more

8.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How many churches are there in Cusco?

Currently, you can visit more than 20 churches that date back to colonial times. Fortunately, most of them are located quite close to the historic center, and each one forms part of a religious and cultural legacy. Many of them function as parishes where religious ceremonies are held, while others are exclusively museums.

• Which churches in Cusco are most worth visiting?

You definitely can’t miss the opportunity to visit Cusco Cathedral, San Blas Church, Santo Domingo Temple, and La Compañía de Jesús. If you venture further from the historic center, you can visit others that are also incredible.

• How much time do I need to visit Cusco’s main churches?

Visiting the churches in Cusco Peru, is truly incredible, as each one tells a piece of the city’s history, so visiting the main ones will take at least a full day.

• Are Cusco’s churches included in the tourist ticket?

No, the tourist ticket is mainly used to visit archaeological sites and museums, but churches are managed differently, as they are mainly run by the Archbishopric of Cusco, so they have their own system that issues a different entrance ticket, which is normally purchased at the entrance to each church.

• What is the Cusco Religious Circuit ticket?

It is a special ticket that allows you to visit the main churches in the city. It includes admission to three churches located within the city, namely Cusco Cathedral, San Blas Church, and the Archbishop’s Museum, also known as the Archbishop’s Palace.

• Can I visit all the churches in one day?

If possible, you should understand that visiting a church does not mean just 30 minutes or an hour; in fact, it takes a long time to learn and understand more about the art collection and the architectural complex you are visiting. Fortunately, there are local guides who can help you with this.

Now you know the most important things about the churches you can visit during your trip to Cusco. There’s no need to delay your decision any longer; it’s time to start planning your next adventure. Auri Peru designs personalized adventures so that travelers can enjoy the best adventure of their lives. Contact us now; it’s time to start yours.

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