Manu Pax

Cusco boasts some of the most representative religious attractions dating from the Spanish conquest. The Cathedral was one of the first churches constructed in America, built between 1538 and 1664. Due to the endless postponements on its construction, the front has a renaissance style and the interior has a baroque finish. It contains a collection of paintings from la Escuela Cusqueña. The religious order of "Nuestra Señora de la Merced" was the third to found its convent in Cusco, in 1542. Among the most important pieces in its collection, we can find artifacts forged in gold and precious stones. The conqueror Diego de Almagro is buried next to Gonzalo Pizarro; both were the first to arrive to this city. In 1539, the Franciscan religious order entered the city, but their present day convent was raised in 1549 on top of an immense Inca terrace. The church has, as a characteristic, three naves of cut stone, where one of the biggest choirs of Cusco stand out. In both cloisters, you can find a collection of didactic pictures from San Francisco’s life. The Dominicans, having the authorization to build their convent in 1538, did so on top of the most important Inca sanctuary: the Korikancha. Its walls of polished stone, unique in Cusco because of their elaborate work, were covered in gold. The front is a good example of the renaissance style, and its tower, of the baroque style. Another gem is the church of la Compañía de Jesús, located next to the Cathedral. It was constructed on the top of the Amaru Cancha (Inca Huayna Cápac's palace). In the past, it was the personal mansion of conqueror Francisco Pizarro. The front is covered in carved stone and the interior reflects the typical style of the time, with its altars made of cedar. It is considered one of the best exponents of the colonial baroque in America. This article was written by a Peru Travel expert at Peru travel Now, available to help you custom design your exciting Peru Tours.