Iglesia de San Francisco, La Paz
The Iglesia de San Francisco in La Paz is notable for its intricately carved façade, one the finest examples of baroque-mestizo architecture in the Americas.
History
Construction on the original San Francisco Church began on this site in 1548, one year before the founding of La Paz. The church later collapsed under the weight of a heavy snowfall in 1610, and was reconstructed in 1784.
What to See
Blending traditional and Catholic art, San Francisco's façade contains a wealth of indigenous symbols, from masked figures to snakes, dragons, and tropical birds.
Inside, the baroque influence gives way to neoclassical, with small cedar altars decorated in gold-leaf designs. You can climb to the roof for a splendid view of the top of the church and the surrounding city.
Outside, an eccentric sculpture competes for attention on the Plaza de San Francisco. A mass of rock pillars and stone faces, it is intended to honor Bolivia's three great cultures: the ancient people of Tiwanaku; the Incas; and modern Bolivians.
Map
Location map and satellite view of the San Francisco Church in La Paz (center; right marker). Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. You can explore all of Bolivia from space on our Bolivia Map.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Iglesia de San Francisco; Church of St. Francis; St. Francisco Church; San Francisco Church |
| Type of site: | Catholic church |
| Dates: | Originally built 1548; current building completed 1784 |
| Location: | Plaza San Francisco, at the north end of Av. Mariscal Santa Cruz in the center of La Paz, Bolivia |
| Hours: | Mon-Sat 4-6pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Sources
- Frommer's South America, 2nd ed.
- Lonely Planet Bolivia, 51, 53.
- Iglesia San Francisco - Virtual Tourist
