The Cathedral Basilica of Cusco

The Basilica Cathedral of Cusco, also known as the Cusco Cathedral, is one of the most iconic monuments of the city and a reflection of its colonial and cultural history. Built in the 16th century over Quishuarqancha, the former palace of the Inca Viracocha, its location in the Plaza de Armas makes it a vital landmark for locals and the thousands of tourists who visit Cusco each year.

Cusco Cathedral: A Colonial-Era Treasure

Known as the “Treasure of the Colonial Era”, the Cusco Cathedral is a symbol of the city’s historical and artistic wealth. Built between 1560 and 1654 atop the ruins of Viracocha’s Palace, it blends Spanish colonial and Indigenous influences. As a religious center of the Viceroyalty of Peru, the cathedral embodies grandeur and houses one of the most valuable collections of colonial art in Latin America. It is also a place of worship and a repository of relics and artworks brought from Europe and other parts of the world, consolidating its status as one of the region’s greatest artistic treasures.

History of the Cusco Cathedral

The arrival of the Bible and the cross of Christ in the Americas aimed to evangelize Indigenous peoples, a task made difficult by their ancestral beliefs. To ensure conversion, pagan cults were prohibited and churches were built atop former temples, giving rise to a religious syncretism that persists today in places like the Cusco Cathedral.

In 1533, after the capture of Inca Atahualpa, Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro arrived in Cusco with priests and friars. Pizarro requested that King Charles V create a bishopric and authorize the construction of a cathedral over the Inca palace of Viracocha. In 1537, Pope Paul III created the Diocese of Cusco and later elevated it to an archdiocese, appointing Dominican friar Vicente de Valverde as the first bishop.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1560 and was completed in 1664, taking over a century. Various architects contributed to the project, though it was halted several times, notably after the 1650 earthquake that caused significant damage. The cathedral eventually became a symbol of Cusco’s religious and cultural prominence during the colonial era. Since its inauguration, it has served as the main Catholic center of worship in Cusco, the seat of the archbishopric, and the site of major liturgical celebrations. Its architecture, which blends Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque styles, remains a landmark of the city’s religious and cultural heritage.

Architecture and Style of the Cusco Cathedral

The Basilica Cathedral of Cusco is a masterpiece of colonial architecture, combining European styles with local influences. Built under the guidance of Spanish and Indigenous architects, it fuses Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque elements.

• Exterior: The main façade is Renaissance in style, with three doors representing the three interior naves. Flanked by two Baroque-style bell towers, the cathedral is visible from every corner of the Plaza de Armas.
• Interior: The interior is divided into three naves adorned with columns and Baroque altarpieces. The central nave features a main altar covered in gold, and the ceilings are decorated with intricate details and frescoes. The walls are lined with paintings and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.

The cathedral also features a Latin cross floor plan, typical of Catholic churches, and was built using Andean stone sourced from Inca temples, highlighting its connection to local traditions. The carved wooden ceiling is another distinctive element of colonial architecture.

Artworks and Highlights of the Cathedral

The Cusco Cathedral houses a collection of colonial art that makes it one of the most important in Latin America. Among its highlights are:

1. The Lord of the Earthquakes

One of the cathedral’s main attractions is the image of the Lord of the Earthquakes, a statue of the crucified Christ revered by the people of Cusco for its miraculous powers. According to tradition, a devastating earthquake struck the city in 1650, and when residents began to pray before this image, the tremors stopped. Since then, the Lord of the Earthquakes has been considered the protector of Cusco. This 18th-century sculpture is located in the main nave and is a central figure of devotion during Holy Week.

2. The Cedar-Carved Choir

The choir of the Cusco Cathedral is one of the finest examples of colonial woodworking. Carved from cedar, it features intricate details and religious figures representing symbolic biblical scenes. Its elaborate decoration continues to impress both worshippers and tourists alike.

3. Paintings of the Cusqueña School

The cathedral preserves a valuable collection of paintings from the Cusqueña School, an artistic movement that merged European techniques with Indigenous traditions during the colonial era. These colorful, uniquely styled works depict the Virgin Mary, saints, and biblical scenes, all imbued with elements of Andean worldview.

Hours, Prices, and How to Get There

The Religious Circuit Ticket allows you to explore some of the most impressive expressions of colonial religious art. This circuit will give you the opportunity to experience the renowned Cusco School, an artistic movement known for portraying the reality of that time and blending Inca and Spanish cultures.

Visiting hours are as follows:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Cusco Basilica Cathedral is located at 3,400 meters above sea level, in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. It is easily accessible by foot from the historic center of the city.