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The Churches of Cusco

Churches of CuscoThe churches of Cusco are also a reflection of the city’s religious history. The San Blas Church, for example, was built in the 1560s and is known for its baroque style of architecture  baroque architectural style. The Church of the Society of Jesus, on the other hand, was built in the 17th century with a more traditional colonial style.

Peru is a very religious country with many churches in Cusco, the city of Cuzco is no exception. The magnificent Cathedral and the city’s many other churches, give travelers the opportunity to understand the religious beliefs and practices of the people who have lived here for centuries.

The Cathedral of Cusco

The Cathedral of CuscoWhen planning your visit to Cusco, the Plaza Mayor is the perfect point for starting a tour around the city, where you will find one of the most important churches of all Cusco. The Cathedral is a Spanish colonial style church that was built in the 16th century on the former site of an Inca temple. 

When planning your visit to Cusco, the main square is an ideal starting point, where you will find one of the most important churches in the city. The Cathedral of Cusco is a Spanish colonial-style church that was built in the 16th century on the site of an Inca temple.

The cathedral is home to many important religious artifacts, including a crucifix that was brought to Cusco by the Spanish conquerors. The Cathedral of Cuzco is the site of important religious events, as well as a magnificent architectural example of Renaissance and Baroque styles.

The cathedral is home to many important religious artifacts, including a crucifix that was brought to Cusco by the Spanish conquistadors.

The Churches of Cusco is the host of important religious events, as well as being a magnificent architectural sample of Renaissance and Baroque styles

In 1559 the first stone was laid, just the beginning for the long period of time that would take the construction of this religious monument in which several great architects participated. Economic issues were the cause of many years of delay, taking a whole century to complete the Cathedral. As a curious fact, several blocks of stone used for its construction were brought from the Sacsayhuaman Fortress.

The first stone was laid in 1559, with the participation of various architects for its construction. However, due to economic issues, delays in its construction originated, lasting more than a century. As a curious fact, several stone blocks used to build it were brought from the Sacsayhuamán fortress.

Church of the Triumph

The Church of Triumph (Iglesia del Triunfo) was the first of the churches to be built upon Cusco’s main square, with construction beginning in 1536, just three years after the Spanish conquistadores arrived in Cusco. The Jesuits built the church over Suntur Wasi, an Inca ceremonial building, armory and heraldry center attached to the palace of Wiracocha. It is the first Christian Church to have been built in all of Cusco.

The name of the Church of Triumph comes from a surprising Spanish victory in a battle against the Incas, in which the Spanish managed to fight back win and just as they were on the verge of defeat. The devout Catholics believed that Saint James the Greater (the patron saint of Spain) descended from heaven to drive back the Incas. Now, you will see a statue of St. James atop a horse inside this very church, depicted slaying an Inca.

Inside you’ll also find a vault of the remains of the famous Inca chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega. De la Vega was born in Cusco in 1539 and died in Cordoba, Spain in 1616. His remains were returned to the city of Cusco in 1978 by King Juan Carlos of Spain, and can now be found here.

Church of the Company of Jesus.

Church of the Company of JesusThe Church of the Company of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús in Spanish) is located in the Plaza de Armas of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, on what was once the palace of Huayna Cápac. The majesty of this church rivals that of the cathedral. It is impossible not to contemplate its baroque façade, adorned with two detailed canvases and the largest altar in Peru.

The Company of Jesus was built over an Inca palace and construction work began in 1576. The church presents a type of Spanish Baroque architecture which was a great influence for other later constructions. This Jesuit temple is a perfect representative of the Andean Baroque architectural style, with an impressive main altar carved in cedar covered in gold leaf.

The Church of the Company of Jesus was built on an Inca palace. Jesuits began construction on the church in 1576. The church features Spanish Baroque architecture. Its beautiful architecture influenced many other buildings later on. This Jesuit temple is an example of Andean Baroque architecture, with a high altar carved in cedar wood and covered in gold leaf.

In the earthquake of 1650, which terribly affected the entire city, the church suffered considerable damages, but fortunately could be rebuilt. In 1972, the place was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the National Institute of Culture, a well-deserved recognition of the traditional colonial architecture of Cusco.

Qoricancha Temple and Church of Santo Domingo

Qoricancha TempleOn the very well known El Sol Avenue, lies the most famous representative of cultural merging in all Cusco: the Qoricancha Temple and the Convent and Church of Santo Domingo. The church was built on the foundations and walls of the most significant Inca palace. Today you can visit the church, the Inca Temple and the Qoricancha Museum full of contemporary art and paintings from the Escuela Cusqueña.

On the popular El Sol avenue is the architectural fusion of two worlds, the Qorikancha temple and the Convent and Church of Santo Domingo. The construction of this place took place on the Inca walls of the largest Inca religious complex. Here is also the Qorikancha Museum, with works of contemporary art and paintings from the Cusco school. This is how Santo Domingo Convent was erected on top of the Coricancha Temple.

The Coricancha, “Golden Temple” or sometimes “Temple of the Sun,” was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Unfortunately, most of the temple was destroyed by Spanish conquistadors in 1633. More than a hundred years later, the preachers of the town gave the order to build another religious building. The remaining stonework was used to make the foundation of the Santo Domingo Convent.  In this way, the Church of Santo Domingo managed to settle on the foundations of the Qoricancha.

If you are planning to spend the day in the city, you will probably find more than one reason to visit this temple due to all the great historical significance, beauty, and art it offers.

La Merced church

La Merced churchThe Temple and Convent of La Merced, is one of the most impressive and important places to visit in the city of Cusco. This building is in the Espinar square and it was built  in the 16th century. Like many other buildings in Cusco, this church was damaged by the destructive forces of the 1650 earthquake, but fortunately could be fixed without too much trouble.  

The Temple and Convent of La Merced, one of the most impressive important places to visit in the city of Cusco. This building is in the Espinar square and its construction dates from the 16th century. It was also a victim of the 1650 earthquake, but fortunately its reconstruction occurred quickly for the time.

This building has a unique beauty. Its rustic walls contrast very well with its beautiful columns and its baroque bell tower. Here you will find Plateresque choir seats, beautiful wooden sculptures and numerous paintings from the Cusco school. Art and architecture experts agree that the Convent of La Merced is one of the most beautiful in all of Latin America.

With an impressive ivory Christ, a gallery of Mercedarian canvases and impressive cloisters, the Temple and Convent of La Merced is proud to keep “La Custodia”, one of the most valuable religious jewels in Peru and in all of South America. Without a doubt, this place is a must-see while visiting Cusco.

Religion in Cusco

Religion in CuscoThe predominant religion in Peru is Catholicism. About 80% of Peruvians practice it with deep devotion and fervor, and Cusco is no exception. The predominant religion is Roman Catholic, but there is a scattering of other Christian faiths. 

The people of Cusco continue to practice a mix of traditional Inca religious beliefs and Roman Catholicism. There is a marked religious syncretism that manifests itself in the regions furthest from the city, where people practice Catholicism without neglecting traditional beliefs, generally related to the earth, or Pachamama, and natural phenomena.

This can be seen in the many festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year, such as Inti Raymi, which is a festival that honors the sun god Inti. Or perhaps the connections between the Pachamama and the Virgin Mary, as mothers of all living souls on earth. Another example is the near synonymous association of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and the Virgin Mary.

Whether you are a religious person or not, a visit to Cusco’s Cathedral and churches around the city is a must-do on your trip. It is a fascinating way to learn about the religious heritage of this amazing place and a step closer to understanding art, culture and tradition.

Let us guide you through the magic of The Churches of Cusco and all its secrets. Visit The Full Experience and choose the adventures, tours and packages that suit you the best. 

As our travel experts about The Churches of Cusco, travel safe with Cusco Journeys. 

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