This historic church blends colonial and traditionalarchitectural styles, ornate detailing, religious artworks and views of La Pazfrom the top of its tower.
The San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco) isa Catholic church and museum renowned for its displays of religious paintingsand artefacts. Climb to the top of the tower to see the impressive views of theconvent, the square and the city.
Originally constructed in 1548 when the city of La Pazwas being established, the initial building collapsed after a heavy snowstorm.The current structure, built in the 18th century, is a striking blend ofbaroque and mestizo architectural styles. Admire the ornate detailing on thefaçade and carvings that depict nature scenes and mythological creatures suchas gargoyles and dragons.
Step inside the church to see cedar wooden altarsornamented with gold leaf. Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the viewsover Plaza San Francisco and the coloured rooftops of the city.
The building adjacent the church, once a convent, now isnow the Museo San Francisco. Walk through the arcaded cloisters and thetranquil courtyard into the museum. View religious paintings from the 17th and18th centuries and admire artworks by the renowned Peruvian painter, GregorioGamarra. See displays of clothing, choir books, chalices and other religiousartefacts. If visiting in May, check when the museum, along with many othercultural institutions in the city, offers free admission as part of the LargaNoche de Museos (Long Night of the Museums).
Located in the centre of La Paz, the San FranciscoChurch is the main structure on the Plaza San Francisco. It is accessible by taxior the shared mini-bus, which strops at the plaza. It is a 10-minute walk fromthe Plaza Murillo and the Witches’ Market. Combine your visit with a trip tothe Lanza Market, near the northern aspect of the square, where fresh produce canbe bought and traditional Bolivian food such as salteña, a savoury pastry, canbe tasted.
The church and museum are open Monday to Saturday. Thechurch itself is open for only a few hours in the afternoon. A small admissionfee is charged for entry to the museum. Be aware that photography is prohibitedinside the church. For further details, look on the museum’s official website.
