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The UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Cusco has a wealth of historic churches in the city center. Many people visit the churches at Plaza de Armas and don’t bother with the others, but it’s worth wandering around the city to see them.

 

Church of San Cristóbal

High above Cusco overlooking the city is the Church of San Cristóbal (Iglesia de San Cristóbal). Admission is S/26 (as of July 2024) or included on the Religious Circuit Ticket (Boleto del Circuito Religioso). It’s open daily from 10am to 6pm. There’s a park in front of the church with great views of the city. For even better views of Cusco, climb the bell tower.

Church of San Cristóbal in Cusco, Peru
Church of San Cristóbal
View from the Church of San Cristóbal bell tower in Cusco, Peru
View from the bell tower

 

Convent of Santa Catalina de Sena

To the south of Plaza de Armas is the Convent of Santa Catalina de Sena (Convento Santa Catalina de Sena), which is now a museum. It was originally built in 1610 over the Incan House of the Chosen Women (Acllawasi). The museum shows examples of how nuns lived in the 17th century along with some beautiful works of art and paintings. Admission is S/8 (as of July 2024).

Convent of Santa Catalina de Sena in Cusco, Peru
Convent of Santa Catalina de Sena

On the back side of the church there’s a street that contains the original Inca wall of the House of the Chosen Women that the convent was built on top of.

Incan wall of the House of the Chosen Women on Convento Santa Catalina de Sena in Cusco, Peru
Incan wall of the House of the Chosen Women

 

Church of La Merced

Just to the west of Plaza de Armas is the Church of La Merced (Iglesia de La Merced). It’s one of the most important churches in Cusco and was built in 1535. It’s not often visited which is a shame. The courtyard is magnificent and the paintings in the gallery are amazing. Some of the most valuable ecclesiastical artifacts in Cusco are housed here. Also, there is a small “cave” with colorful original wall paintings. Admission is S/20 (as of November 2023) and it’s open daily except Sundays.

Church of La Merced in Cusco, Peru
Church of La Merced
Courtyard of the Church of La Merced in Cusco, Peru
Courtyard

 

Church of San Francisco

A couple blocks west from Church of La Merced is Plaza San Francisco. Yet another historic church is located here, the Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco). It was originally built in 1549 but rebuilt after an earthquake in 1650. The church was closed almost every time I walked by. Admission is S/5 (as of July 2024).

Church of San Francisco in Cusco, Peru
Church of San Francisco

 

Church of Santa Clara

A gate on the southwest corner of the plaza is called the Arch of Santa Clara (Arco de Santa Clara). Passing through the gate leads to the Church of Santa Clara (Iglesia de Santa Clara). This very interesting church was built in 1622. Priests enticed the indigenous people to attend mass by covering the entire inside with mirrors. Unfortunately, I was unable to enter.

Arch of Santa Clara in Cusco, Peru
Arch of Santa Clara
Church of Santa Clara in Cusco, Peru
Church of Santa Clara

 

Church of San Pedro

A bit further west is the Church of San Pedro (Iglesia de San Pedro). It was built in 1572 then rebuilt after an earthquake in 1650.

Church of San Pedro in Cusco, Peru
Church of San Pedro

 

Church of Santa Teresa

Finally, to the north of Plaza Regocijo is the Church of Santa Teresa (Iglesia de Santa Teresa). It was built in 1673.

Church of Santa Teresa in Cusco, Peru
Church of Santa Teresa
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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