San Francisco Church has stood in the heart of La Paz sincethe city’s founding. Its massive bell tower rises above one of the city’s mainsquares, the Plaza San Francisco. Study the mixed design that the cathedral haspicked up over its long and storied history. Visit the Museo San Francisco inthe neighbouring convent to see colonial-era religious artifacts and devotionalartworks.
Founded in 1548 during La Paz’s earliest years, the originalIglesia de San Francisco was destroyed in a blizzard and replaced in the 1700s.This is the church we see today, which is a beautiful hybrid of the baroque andmestizo styles that were influential at the time of its construction. Study theincredibly intricate reliefs carved into the walls and columns of the church’sfaçade. Depictions of gargoyles and dragons can be found alongside rich naturallandscapes amongst the carvings.
Inside, admire the impressive gold-leaf altar. Stairs leadup into the bell tower, where you can look out over the plaza and the rooftopsof the city centre around you.
Head next door to the convent of the church to find theMuseo San Francisco. Period religious garb, antique choir books and ornatechalices can be found alongside gorgeous 17th- and 18th-century oil paintingsof religious scenes. Find works by Gregorio Gamarra, a famous Peruvian painterof the time. Visit the museum on the Larga Noche de Museos (Long Night ofthe Museums) in May. For one day, the Museo San Francisco and several other LaPaz cultural attractions feature longer hours and free admission.
Reach the San Francisco Church by taking a shared mini busto the Plaza San Francisco. After visiting the church and its museum, browsethe area markets, Lanza Market and the Witches’ Market. Try a specialtyBolivian pastry, the salteña.
Open Monday through Saturday, the church can only beaccessed during the afternoon. An admission fee applies for the church, and youare not allowed to take any photos once inside.
