The Church of San Cristóbal is a colonial temple located in the square of the same name, in the upper part of Cusco’s historic center. Thanks to its location in the Qolqampata sector, it offers one of the widest views of the city and forms part of Cusco’s historical heritage.
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The church was built in the early years of the colonial period at the initiative of Cristóbal Paullu Inca, an Inca prince converted to Christianity and lord of Qolqampata. According to tradition, Paullu Inca took the name Cristóbal in honor of Saint Christopher and in connection with Cristóbal Vaca de Castro, a Spanish authority of the time.
During the Inca period, this area formed part of Hanan Qosqo, or Upper Cusco, and was linked to the Qolqampata sector. In this setting, remains of Inca architecture are preserved, traditionally associated with the palace of Manco Cápac and the ancient ceremonial landscape of the city.
After the earthquake of 1650, the original chapel was destroyed and the current temple was built. The reconstruction is attributed to the architect Marcos Uscamayta and was promoted during the ecclesiastical government of Bishop Manuel de Mollinedo y Angulo.
Since 1972, the building has formed part of the Monumental Zone of Cusco, declared a Historic Monument of Peru. In addition, as it is located within Cusco’s historic center, it is part of the area recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity site in 1983.
The church has a Latin cross floor plan and a single nave. Its main doorway faces Colcampata Square, and its bell tower rises at the southern end. Inside, it preserves a collar-beam roof structure, a choir at the foot of the nave, and a two-section main altarpiece, where paintings, religious images, and the effigy of Saint Christopher stand out.
It is located in San Cristóbal Square, in the Qolqampata sector, about a 30-minute walk from Cusco’s Main Square. By taxi, the trip may take around 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Canvases: the interior of the Church of San Cristóbal contains canvases by artists of the so-called Cusco School, which developed during the colonial period. Some works are adaptations of famous paintings, into which elements of Andean culture, such as gastronomy and traditions, were introduced.
San Cristóbal Viewpoint: located right in the square, this stone-built space also features a stone cross. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city of Cusco. On clear days, it is also possible to appreciate the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain, both during the day and at night.
Patron Saint of San Cristóbal: this is the sanctuary of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of the place, whose image is taken out every year during the Corpus Christi festivity. The image has a silver halo, a beautiful face, natural long hair, and an imposing figure: with one hand it holds onto a tree branch, while with the other it carries the Child Jesus.
Palace of Manco Cápac
The site preserves walls with cellular masonry, a honeycomb-like structure made of small polygonal limestone blocks. According to tradition, this place was used for ritual purposes and formed part of the Qolqampata palace, associated with Manco Cápac, the founder of Inca civilization.
Reference opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Reference rate: adults S/. 26.00; students S/. 13.00.
It may also be included in the Religious Circuit Ticket. Opening hours, included sites, and rates may vary, so it is recommended to verify the current information before your visit.
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