Basilica Cathedral of Cusco

The Basilica Cathedral of Cusco, also known simply as the Cathedral of Cusco, is located in the Plaza de Armas in the city of Cusco, Peru.

Since the Plaza de Armas is the historical and cultural heart of the city, the Cusco Cathedral is one of the most prominent and easy to find buildings in the area. It is an impressive colonial structure dating back to the 16th century and is a popular tourist destination in Cusco.

History of the Basilica Cathedral of Cusco

The Basilica Cathedral of Cusco, also known as the Cathedral of Cusco, is an outstanding work of colonial religious architecture located in the Plaza de Armas in the city of Cusco, Peru. Its history is fascinating and is closely linked to the history of the Spanish conquest and evangelization of America:

Initial construction:

The construction of the Cathedral of Cusco began in the sixteenth century, shortly after the Spanish conquest of the region. It was erected over the palace of the Inca Wiracocha, which was partially destroyed during the conquest. The initial construction was in charge of the architect Juan Correa de Vivar.

Architectural evolution

Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has undergone several expansions and modifications. Its construction was carried out in different stages, with different architectural styles ranging from Renaissance to Baroque.

Use of Inca stones

A remarkable feature of the Cusco Cathedral is that it was built using many of the stones carved by the Incas that originally formed part of their temples and palaces. This reuse of materials allowed the Spaniards to speed up the construction of the cathedral.

Religious and cultural importance

The cathedral became the religious and spiritual center of the city of Cusco and the entire region. It houses numerous works of religious art, colonial paintings, sculptures and elaborate altars, many of which were created by indigenous and mestizo artists.

Earthquakes and restorations

Throughout its history, the cathedral has suffered earthquake damage, requiring major restoration work. However, much of its original structure has been preserved to this day, and the cathedral remains one of Cusco’s main tourist attractions and an important site of religious pilgrimage.

In short, the Basilica Cathedral of Cusco is much more than just a religious building; it is a symbol of the fusion of Inca and Spanish cultures, as well as a testimony to the history and architectural evolution of the city of Cusco over the centuries.

Catedral del Cusco

What to see the Cathedral of Cusco?

The Cusco Cathedral is an architectural and cultural marvel that houses a wealth of religious artwork and historical treasures. When visiting the cathedral, you can see:

Main Nave: Admire the majesty of the main nave, with its high vaulted ceilings and impressive colonial architecture.
Side Chapels: Explore the numerous side chapels, each dedicated to a specific religious figure or event. Many of these chapels contain elaborately decorated altars and religious artwork.
Carved Retablos: Observe the beautiful wood carved retablos, typical of colonial baroque art. These altarpieces are often richly decorated with gold leaf and contain images of saints and biblical scenes.
Colonial Paintings: Behold the colonial paintings that adorn the walls of the cathedral. Many of these masterpieces were created by indigenous and mestizo artists and depict religious scenes and historical events.
Religious sculptures: Observe the religious sculptures of saints and virgins that decorate the cathedral. These sculptures, many of which are of great artistic and historical value, reflect the deep religious devotion of the colonial era.
Cathedral treasury: Some cathedrals have a treasury that displays precious liturgical objects, such as chalices, monstrances and reliquaries. These objects are usually decorated with gold, silver and precious stones and are true works of art.
Crypt: In some cathedrals, you can visit the crypt, where bishops, archbishops or other important religious figures are buried. The crypt usually has a quiet and solemn atmosphere, suitable for spiritual reflection.

These are just some of the things you can see when visiting the Cusco Cathedral. Each cathedral has its own history and unique treasures, so I recommend you explore it at your leisure and enjoy all the wonders it has to offer.

catedral del cusco

Recommendations to visit the Cathedral of Cusco

Here are some recommendations for visiting the Cathedral of Cusco:

Visiting hours: Check the opening hours of the cathedral before your visit to make sure it is open to the public. Also be aware of mass schedules and other religious events that may affect your visit.
Appropriate dress: The cathedral is a place of worship, so dress respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing for a religious setting.
Photography in moderation: If you plan to take photographs inside the cathedral, respect the directions of the staff and avoid using flash, especially near light-sensitive works of art.
Quiet and respectful: Keep your voice low and avoid loud or disruptive behavior that may disrupt the experience of other visitors or the religious services taking place.
Explore at your leisure: Take your time to explore every corner of the cathedral and appreciate its artwork and architecture. Don’t rush and enjoy the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the place.
Guided Tour: Consider taking a guided tour to get a more complete perspective of the cathedral’s history and significance. Tour guides can provide you with detailed information about the artwork, architecture and historical events related to the site.
Souvenir shopping: If you wish to purchase souvenirs or souvenirs, be sure to do so in the designated areas and respect the rules established by the cathedral regarding the sale of products within its facilities.

By following these recommendations, you will be able to enjoy your visit to the Cathedral of Cusco to the fullest and appreciate the rich history and artistic beauty of this important religious monument in the imperial city of Cusco, Peru.