Church of the Society of Jesus

Just a few steps from the historic Plaza de Armas in Cusco stands a temple considered one of the most outstanding monuments of Andean Baroque. Just looking at it awakens curiosity and inspiration. The Church of the Society of Jesus, one of the most important colonial temples in the city, was built over the remains of Amaru Kancha, the palace of the Inca Huayna Cápac’s panaca, and today it is part of the “Andean Baroque Circuit.”

The Church of the Society of Jesus: A Jewel of Andean Baroque

It is a clear example of the cultural union between Inca and European traditions. The decoration inside, as well as the artworks, are a symbol of both cultures, suggesting a marked cultural syncretism. This process allowed Christianity to adapt to the Andean context, generating a fusion that is still reflected in the region’s festivities and spiritual rituals. Inside, we can see the altar of the Immaculate Conception Virgin and paintings depicting the Transfiguration of Jesus.

History of the Church of the Society of Jesus

The Church of the Society of Jesus began construction in the 16th century over what was once Amaru Kancha, the palace of Inca Huayna Cápac, the last ruler of the Inca Empire before the arrival of the Spanish. This site is known as the “house of the Great Serpent,” which embodied the power and spirituality of the empire.

With the arrival of the Spanish, the temple was handed over to Hernando Pizarro, who later ceded it to the Jesuit order. The Jesuits began the construction of the church, directed by architect Francisco Becerra, under the supervision of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo.

The initial design incorporated plateresque and Renaissance elements, faithfully representing the artistic ideal of the colonial era. This phase also benefited from the contribution of artist Bernardi Bitti, who left a design full of religious symbolism on the main altar.

A devastating earthquake in 1650 marked a significant turning point in the history of the temple. The original church suffered significant damage, leading to its reconstruction by 1651. After 17 years of exhaustive work, the project was completed in 1668, resulting in a more imposing and majestic construction. This new modification included side chapels and a Baroque façade, matching the magnificence of the Cusco Cathedral.

Architecture and Design of the Church

The Church of the Society of Jesus is composed of two side chapels called “Indian chapels” or “Chapel of the Virgin of Loreto,” and “The Chapel of Saint Ignatius.” It also has two bell towers and a single nave supported by columns.

The building is entirely made of andesite and pink basalt stone. The façade features windows, balconies, and niches that display Baroque colonial art. You can also observe a three-tiered, three-aisle portal-retablo, guarded by its two slender bell tower towers, with solid construction and exquisite decoration.

Inside, it houses one of the most impressive main altars made of cedar wood, carved and covered with gold leaf, standing 21 meters tall. The temple contains notable canvas artworks, including a collection depicting the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The Church of the Society of Jesus has become one of the most beautiful temples in the city of Cusco.

Artworks and Attractions

1. The Main Altarpiece

The main altarpiece is carved in cedar and includes gilding with gold leaves by Cristóbal Clemente.

By 1760, it measures 21 meters high by 12 meters wide, with 5 sections and four bodies in the main aisle, three in the lateral aisles, and only one in the extreme ones, which are oblique as well.

The Sanctuary presents the Annunciation in a beautiful wood carving, above it is the Holy Trinity, and at the top, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. Lastly, in full, Saint Ignatius of Loyola is depicted, surpassed by a medallion representing God the Father showing his creation work.

2. Paintings of the Cusco School

As in most of the churches in Cusco, the Temple of the Society of Jesus features beautifully crafted canvases by artists belonging to the “Cusco School,” mostly from the 17th century. The temple has paintings and sculptures by artists such as Cristo de Burgos, Marcos Zapata, and Diego de la Puente. Notable paintings include the marriage of Martín García de Loyola (nephew of Saint Ignatius) and Beatriz Clara Coya (Inca princess).

3. The Chapel of Loreto

In the second half of the 16th century, the Jesuit fathers, orienting their evangelizing efforts to the population, built a chapel for the indigenous people under the name “Virgen de Loreto.” The chapel served as a place of worship for the indigenous people.

In this chapel, Christian doctrine was taught, and people were encouraged to participate in religious practices, as part of the Jesuits’ strategy for evangelization. The chapel was destroyed along with the Society of Jesus due to the 1650 earthquake.

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