Come and see the historical Cusco Cathedral. It is a symbol of Peru's rich heritage

The Cusco Cathedral, a symbol of the cultural mix that happened in the Andes after the arrival of the Spaniards, stands on the north side of the Plaza de Armas. Built on top of the old Inca palace of Viracocha, this temple used stones from the Sacsayhuaman fortress for its construction. It is one of the most important colonial monuments in South America.

It's more than just a place of worship—it's a storehouse of priceless sacred art for the whole Cusco region. Inside, you'll find over 300 paintings from the "Cusco School." These paintings combine Andean elements with scenes from the Bible. You'll also see altars made of carved wood and embossed silver. These altars show the high skill of the local artisans.

This monument is important because of its history and art. It is a World Heritage Site, which means it is recognized by UNESCO. For visitors, entering this temple is usually the first activity on the classic "City Tour Cusco" itinerary. This activity provides a necessary introduction to the historical and artistic context of the city before visiting the archaeological complexes.

Location

The Cusco of Cathedral is located on the northeast side of the Plaza de Armas, making it the most important building in the city's Historical Center. The church is located near the Triumph and Holy Family churches, so it's easy to get to on foot from most tourist spots and hotels.

Church

It has a Latin cross design, with a Renaissance-style exterior and interior. It contains the best examples of colonial goldwork, as well as a valuable collection of paintings from the Cusco School. It was built during a time when Gothic and Renaissance styles were popular. This is evident in its construction, which resembles that of the great Spanish cathedrals. It also features Baroque elements, such as its large altarpiece, portal, and monumental towers.

Architecture of the Cathedral of Cusco

The Cathedral of Cusco is shaped like a basilica, with three sections: the nave of the epistle, the nave of the gospel, and the central nave. These sections match up with the three doors on the front of the building. It also has fourteen cruciform pillars that define the layout of the twenty-four entrance vaults and the transept.

The High Altar is made entirely of silver, and the Sacristy is made up of forty canvases of the Bishops and Archbishops of Cusco. Two more chapels are next to it. The El Triunfo church is on the right, and the Sagrada Familia is on the left.

Attractions inside the Cathedral of Cusco

• Crypts

  Under the main altar is a small arched crypt. Many deceased archbishops of Cusco are buried there. The remains of the chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega (author of The Royal Commentaries of the Incas) are kept in the crypt of the Church of El Triunfo. The crypt contains a part of the ashes of the writer from Cusco. The other half is in Spain.
  
  The Silver Room is a part of the church. It is a small side chapel that contains a variety of religious objects made of precious stones, gold, and, most of all, silver. Among these objects, you will find a silver coffin with raised designs. It was used to carry the statue of the "Lord of Tremors." Another element is a large trellis used during the famous 'Corpus Christi' celebration that weighs up to 160 kilos.

• The painting of the Last Supper

  The walls of the cathedral are covered with paintings from the famous school of painting from Cusco. This school of painting started during the colonial era. Highlights include 'The Last Supper,' a work by the Cusco master Marcos Zapata. It is 5 by 4 meters. The painting replaces some characteristics of the original work because of Andean customs and beliefs, such as the vizcacha. This rodent from the Andes mountains was thought to protect the lakes and mountains.

• Choir stalls

  The choir stalls are one of the most famous attractions of the Cathedral. It is located in the lower part of the central nave. It is made of pure cedar in the "neo-archaic" style, which was used in Spain between the 15th and 17th centuries. The seats are arranged on three sides: there are double-row seats on the sides and a single row in the center. The backs of the chairs are attached to the walls with carvings that show half-relief figures of saints.

• The Lord of the Tremors

  The statue of a crucified brown Christ is an important symbol of the Cathedral and of Christianity in Peru. An old story says that when the statue was moved from Europe to Peru, a big storm almost destroyed the ship and its passengers. The crew put the statue on its feet because they were afraid they were going to die. The storm ended right away. Another story says that after the huge earthquake in 1650, the statue made the tremors stop. Because of this, he became the most important religious figure in the city of Cusco.

• The scristy

  The sacristy is one of the most impressive rooms in the cathedral. It is on the right side of the main altar. The walls are filled with portraits of bishops from Cusco. They include Vicente de Valverde (1499–1541) and the most recent bishops. Among the other treasures in this room, the 'Cristo de la agonía' stands out. It is a huge carved cedar altarpiece. It is realistic, expressive, and beautifully made.

Practical information for visiting the Cusco Cathedral

Here's what the different ticket types cost:

The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) does not include admission. You can buy a ticket at the temple door. There are two types of tickets:

• Partial Ticket (Cathedral Only):
  → Adults: S/ 25.00 (Approx. 7.00 USD).
  → Students (current ISIC card) and Children: S/ 12.50 (Approx. 3.50 USD).
  
  
• Religious Circuit Ticket:
  → General Cost: S/ 40.00.
  Includes access to the Cathedral, San Blas Church, San Cristóbal Church, and the Archbishop's Museum.

Opening Hours

• Tourist visits: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Site Rules

The following strict rules must be followed to protect the heritage and respect the worship:

• Visual recording: You can't take pictures or videos inside.
• Preservation: You cannot touch the art, altarpieces, or stone walls.
• Conduct: It is necessary to be completely silent, and it is appropriate to wear the correct attire.

Learn more about the churches near the Cathedral of Cusco

• Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: It is a small temple. It was started to be built in 1723, but it wasn't finished until 1733 or 1735. It has images of the Sagrada Familia on its main façade, and its main altar is made in the Baroque style, with altarpieces and paintings that really stand out. It was decided in 1737.
• The triumph: Its name comes from the idea of conquest. It was named after the Spanish's final victory over the Manco Inca army. The Spanish received help from the Virgin Mary and Saint James the Great during the battle. The church was built between 1729 and 1733. Its main altar is made of finely carved stone. In the main niche, you can see the "Cross of the Conquest," where the ashes of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega rest.

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Other experiences near Cusco

Beyond the beauty of Machu Picchu, the area around Cusco has many activities that will allow you to learn about the culture, history, and landscapes of the Andean region of Peru. From traditional towns to little-explored natural wonders, there is a lot to discover just a few kilometers from the imperial city. If you're looking for new adventures, here are some places you can't miss: