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The Cathedral of Cusco is one of the most important colonial temples in the historic center and one of the main landmarks of Cusco’s religious art. It combines Indigenous traditions with Spanish influences, and its colonial architecture is one of the most photographed by visitors arriving at the Main Square.
The Basilica Cathedral of Cusco is the city’s main Catholic temple and the site of important religious celebrations. It brings together Gothic, Mannerist Renaissance, and Baroque features. Flanked by two solid towers, its side portals are Mannerist, while the central portal is subtly Baroque.
The construction of the Cathedral of Cusco formally began in 1560, after the contract signed in 1559 with Juan Miguel de Veramendi. Throughout the process, different master builders and architects took part.
The earthquake of 1650 caused limited damage, although it affected the ribbed vault in the upper part of the façade. As a result, the third section of the towers was removed to give the building a more solid and lower appearance.
Finally, the work was completed under the direction of Miguel Gutiérrez Sencio in 1654. On September 13, 1723, construction began on the Church of the Holy Family, part of the cathedral complex, under the direction of Gabriel de Arregui. Due to the sudden death of the architect in charge, construction restarted ten years later, in 1733, and was finally delivered on September 3, 1735.
It was recognized as a minor basilica of the Catholic Church on February 8, 1928. Since 1972, it has formed part of the Monumental Zone of Cusco, declared a Historic Monument of Peru. In 1978, Juan Carlos I of Spain delivered part of the ashes of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, which were placed in the Church of the Triumph.
In 1983, UNESCO declared the city of Cusco a World Cultural Heritage Site, a recognition that includes its historic center and monuments such as the Cathedral.
The Cathedral of Cusco is located in the Main Square, in the city’s historic center. Thanks to its central location, most visitors can reach it on foot from hotels in the historic center. If you are staying in a more distant area, you can take a taxi.
The Cathedral’s choir is carved in cedar wood and combines Baroque and Neoclassical features. The main altar stands out for its embossed silver work and the richness of its colonial ornamentation.
Inside, the Cathedral has naves, chapels, altars, and a valuable collection of religious art. Many of its ornaments feature gilded details, and its walls are decorated with religious paintings and sculptures. Among the images most venerated by the people of Cusco is the Lord of the Earthquakes.
The temple houses around 300 paintings created by Indigenous, mestizo, and European artists. In the Silver Room, the baldachin stands out, made in 1733 and donated by Francisco Guyzueta Maldonado.
Its collection of canvases from the Cusco School also stands out, with works by Diego Quispe Tito, Basilio Santa Cruz Pumacallo, Basilio Pacheco, and Marcos Zapata, author of a singular version of “The Last Supper,” where the main dish is roasted guinea pig. The sacristy is decorated with portraits of the bishops who led the Archbishopric of Cusco.
The most venerated image is the Lord of the Earthquakes, the patron saint of Cusco, famous for having “stopped” the devastating earthquake of 1650. Also notable is the Chapel of the Virgin of the Assumption, known for its painting of the Virgin surrounded by angels.
Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mass schedule: Monday to Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Admission fee:
Foreign adult: S/ 40.00
Foreign students: S/ 20.00
When visiting the Cathedral of Cusco, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:
The main construction of the Cathedral began in 1560 and was completed in 1654, after almost a century of work interrupted by the earthquake of 1650.
You can buy the ticket directly at the Cathedral ticket office. There is also the Cusco Religious Circuit Ticket, which includes the Cathedral and other religious sites such as the Archbishop’s Museum, the Temple of San Blas, and the Temple of San Cristóbal. The purchase is usually made in person.
Yes. One way to enter the church for free is to attend during Mass hours, which are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
At the entrance, there are people offering official tour guide services for an additional cost. Another option is to book a Cusco City Tour that includes a visit to the Cathedral and the service of a tour guide.
Corpus Christi is one of the most important religious festivities in Cusco. The city’s 15 main sculptures of saints and virgins are carried in procession to the Cathedral. It is celebrated every year on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday, usually in June.
Yes, the Cathedral may be included in some City Tours, along with Coricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Some services include transportation and a guide; entrance tickets may be included or paid separately, depending on the operator.
The city of Cusco has dozens of temples. In addition to the Cathedral, tourists can visit the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, the Church and Convent of La Merced, the Church and Convent of San Francisco, among others. Entrance tickets can be purchased at the door of each church.
Yes, many Cusco City Tours do not include a visit to the Cathedral due to the additional cost of the entrance ticket. In that case, the route usually includes Coricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
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