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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/15 (as of October 2023) or included on the Religious Circuit Ticket (Boleto del Circuito Religioso). 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.
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/10 (as of October 2023).
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.
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 July 2023).
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.
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.
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 Santa Teresa
Finally, to the north of Plaza Regocijo is the Church of Santa Teresa (Iglesia de Santa Teresa). It was built in 1673.
