San Juan de Letrán Church

The Church of San Juan de Letrán is built with brick, adobe, wood, and mortar. Its side entrance features a large stone portal in Churrigueresque style, which, combined with Andean motifs, forms a modest yet harmonious ensemble. The main altarpiece is Renaissance in style, while most of the other altars are in the mestizo Baroque style.

Description

The San Juan de Letrán Temple, known as the House of the Virgin, is located in the small square of the same name. It was built with the direct participation of the local population and led by the Dominican religious order; later, it was administered by the Jesuit order.

Today, the temple functions as a museum of sacred art, housing architectural and artistic works of great value that attract the interest of national and international travelers. It is also part of Juli’s historical heritage.

History

Around 1567, the Dominicans began building the church to provide pastoral care for the growing community of Juli. Years later, the Jesuits took over the temple and completed its construction in 1612. With them came a tradition of theological training, music, and art within the building.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the temple underwent several architectural transformations. The goal was to enrich the building. During this phase, the Baroque side façade was added in the 18th century, along with 16 decorated stone columns in the crossing area and various interior adaptations designed to highlight the altarpieces and altars.
With the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, these works were abruptly interrupted. Some planned expansions remained unfinished, a detail that still gives the temple a particular and slightly open character today.

Location

The San Juan de Letrán Temple Museum is located in Juli, province of Chucuito, Puno, at Jr. Juli 352. From the main square, you only need to walk toward Lake Titicaca, about 300 meters along paved streets; in roughly 10 minutes, you can comfortably reach the temple entrance.

Attractions

The Museum: Sacred Art by Bernardo Bitti and Tomás Lara

The San Juan de Letrán Temple has been adapted as a temple museum. The liturgical space has been carefully adjusted to meet museum needs without losing its sacred character. Visitors will find an outstanding collection of colonial artworks that make the temple a place of interest for those who appreciate art and culture in Juli.

Among the most valuable pieces in the collection are:

• Paintings by Bernardo Bitti: the renowned Jesuit painter introduced Mannerism to the Andes and shaped the sacred imagery of the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Works by Tomás Lara: another important artist from the colonial period, whose pieces reflect the local interpretation of European pictorial traditions.
• Large-format frames: large frames that enhance and integrate the paintings into the space.

Many of the canvas paintings and wooden carvings have been restored and are now once again displayed with vivid colors and clear outlines. The visit offers a clear view of the evolution of religious painting in the Puno region.

Activities for Visitors

Studies and research: the temple is a point of reference for researchers, students, and people interested in the history of construction, painting, and colonial-era practices.
Cultural activities: the temple can host cultural events, such as small exhibitions or guided visits with a historical and artistic focus.
Observation and appreciation of the works: visitors can observe paintings, sculptures, and decorative elements in detail, and follow the evolution of sacred art in the highlands.

Opening Hours and Fees

Reference schedule: Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Reference fees:
Adults: S/ 15.00
Higher education students: S/ 5.00
Children and teenagers up to 17 years old: free admission.