Step inside “the Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” a richly decorated 17th-century church full of carvings and religious paintings.
Behind the modest stucco façade of the San Pedro Church (San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas) is an interior filled with a dazzling display of religious art. With almost every inch covered with canvases, murals and ornamentation, the building has been dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
The current church was constructed between 1688 and 1699. It replaced an earlier church that was destroyed when Cusco was hit by a massive earthquake in 1650. Once you step inside, give your eyes a few seconds to adjust to the lavish display of artworks in their gold leaf-covered frames. Then, take your time to look over the pieces. Start by admiring the powerful and expressive imagery of the two murals by the front door. Created by the 17th-century Peruvian painter Luis de Riaño, the paintings depict the path to Heaven and the path to Hell.
As you study depictions of saints and religious scenes, look also for images of Andean flowers, fruits and geometric shapes. The local artists who created the paintings were influenced by European masters but chose to mix indigenous symbols with traditional Christian ones.
Admire the elaborate Mudéjar-style ceiling. This is a form of southern Spanish architecture and decoration influenced by the Moors. The covering consists of a mixture of cane, straw and mud, which form a surface that resembles wooden beams. It was made through a pre-Columbian technique called kur-kur.
One of the highlights of a visit to San Pedro Church is standing before the altarpiece. Marvel at this huge and elaborate work of art, which is carved out of cedar and covered in gold and silver leaf. Also, note the two elaborately decorated organs near the church’s entrance, which were installed between 1606 and 1610.
Situated in the village of Andahuaylillas, San Pedro Church is 22 miles (36 kilometres) from Cusco and can be easily reached by bus from the city. The church is open daily and there is a small admission charge.
