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  3. Cusco
  4. La Compañía de Jesús

La Compañía de Jesús, Cusco

Photo © Bruno Furnari. View all images in our La Compañía de Jesús Photo Gallery.
Photo © Avery.
Photo © Mike Bash.
Photo © Margaret.

Near Cusco Cathedral is the Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia La Compañía de Jesús) which rivals the cathedral in grandeur and prominence on the main square (an intentional move by the Jesuits, which did not go over too well).

History

Originally begun in the late 16th century, the church was almost entirely demolished by the earthquake of 1650, rebuilt, and finally finished 18 years later.

Like the cathedral, La Compañía was also built on the site of an important ancient palace, that of the Inca Huayna Cápac (said to be the most beautiful of all the Inca rulers' palaces).

What to See

La Compañía de Jesús is said to be one of the best examples of colonial Baroque architecture in the Americas. Inside, it's rather gloomy, but the gilded altar is stunning, especially when illuminated. The golden altarpiece, decorated with wreathed columns, features an old image of the Virgin and a panel of the Transfiguration attributed to the Flemish Jesuit Diego de la Puente.

La Compañía possesses several other important works of art, including a picture of Saint Ignatius de Loyola by the local painter Marcos Zapata, and a Crucifixion by Cristo de Burgos near the main altar.

Also of note are the paintings to either side of the entrance, which depict the marriages of Saint Ignatius's nephews. One of these especially exemplifies Peru's mestizo character, depicting the granddaughter of Manco Inca marrying the man who captured the last Incan leader, Tupac Amaru.


Quick Facts on La Compañía de Jesús

Site Information
Names:La Compañía de Jesús; La Compañía de Jesús
City:Cusco
Country:Peru
cat:Churches
faith:Christianity; Catholic; Jesuit
style:Baroque
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:Cusco, Peru
Coordinates:13.517566° S, 71.978098° W  (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of La Compañía de Jesús

Below is a location map and aerial view of La Compañía de Jesús. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Frommer's Peru, 2nd edition
  2. Church of the Compania of Jesus – Cusco-Peru.org
  3. Compania de Jesus Church – Qosqo.com

More Information

Article Info

Title:La Compañía de Jesús, Cusco
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:10/06/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/peru/cusco-la-compania-de-jesus-church
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/peru/cusco-la-compania-de-jesus-church">La Compañía de Jesús, Cusco</a>