DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Iglesia de la Recoleta

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°12
Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)

Weather…

The Church and Convent of La Recoleta in Sucre was founded in 1601 by the Franciscan Order and is beautifully situated at the foot of Santa Ana Hill. Throughout its long history, the complex has served various purposes, including a monastery, a prison, and a military barracks, before being converted into a museum. The church is world-renowned for its exquisite 17th-century choir stalls carved from cedar wood, which are considered masterpieces of colonial craftsmanship. The convent features three peaceful courtyards filled with gardens, one of which is home to a millenary cedar tree that predates many of the city's structures. The plaza in front of the church, Plaza de Anzúrez, features one of the most famous panoramic views of Sucre, known as the 'White City.' The architectural style blends Renaissance and Baroque influences, typical of the early Spanish colonial era. Today, it remains a primary cultural destination, housing a significant collection of religious art and providing a serene escape from the urban center.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C12121111988911121313
Rain mm10910162245274514373791

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Recoleta monastery complex is open to the public; the church interior and museum are accessible. Climbing to the viewpoint is usually possible.
🕒
Typical hours
The church and museum are typically open from morning to late afternoon, with a lunch break. Access to the viewpoint often follows the same schedule.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the complex, but without flash inside the church and museum. The panoramic view from the platform is a must for photographers.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 45 minutes to one hour for visiting the church, museum, and climbing to the viewpoint. Time on the platform can be extended depending on photography needs.
➕
Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk through Sucre's historic center. The Cathedral and main square are just minutes away.
🧭
Getting there
The Recoleta sits on a hill above Sucre and is accessible on foot or by taxi. From the city center it's about a 15-minute walk.
💡
Insider tip
Climb to the viewpoint just before sunset for the best light over the white city. Bring enough water as the climb can be strenuous.

Geography

Coordinates
-19.05200, -65.25300

Facts

  • Founded in 1601 by Franciscans
  • Located at the foot of Santa Ana Hill
  • Features 17th-century carved choir stalls
  • Home to a famous millenary cedar tree
  • Primary viewpoint for Sucre's White City
  • Served as a barracks in the 19th century

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Casa de la LibertadCasa de la Libertad<1 km · SExplore →
Sucre Cretaceous ParkSucre Cretaceous Park3 km · NEExplore →
Castle of La GlorietaCastle of La Glorieta5 km · SExplore →
Convent of Santa Teresa (Potosí)Convent of Santa Teresa (Potosí)61 km · SWExplore →
IncallajtaIncallajta70 km · EExplore →
Torotoro National ParkTorotoro National Park71 km · SEExplore →
Carrasco National ParkCarrasco National Park85 km · EExplore →
Machía ParkMachía Park98 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Iglesia de la Recoleta (12)

Escuela de Circo y Teatro Jawapi🎭 culture

Operating as an alternative arts centre in Sucre, this school focuses on circus arts and theatrical training for the local youth.

Mirador Churuquella🌿 nature

Perched on a high hill overlooking Sucre, this scenic viewpoint has panoramic views of the city's red-tiled roofs and surrounding mountains.

Palacete del Guereo🏰 castle

Set amidst lush gardens, this eclectic mansion in Sucre features European architectural influences and reflects the affluent history of the region's elite.

Museo de la Recoleta🏛 museum

Located in a Franciscan convent founded in 1601, this museum in Sucre houses colonial paintings, antique choir stalls, and intricate wood carvings.

🕒 Mo-Sa 08:30-11:30; Mo-Sa 14:30-17:30; Su 15:00-17:30💶

Museo Arte Indigena (asur)🏛 museum

Showcasing the intricate weaving traditions of the Jalq'a and Tarabuco communities, this museum in Sucre preserves traditional indigenous textile art.

🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-12:30; Mo-Sa 14:30-18:00; Sa 09:00-12:00💶

Casa Capellanica🏛 museum

Functioning as an exhibition space, this historical house in Sucre displays cultural artifacts and works related to the indigenous weaving traditions of the area.

Bubulú - Centro Cultural🎭 culture

This local cultural theatre in Sucre hosts independent performing arts events, including plays and community workshops.

Muro Escalada📍 landmark

Providing an active urban challenge, this artificial climbing wall in Sucre caters to local rock climbing enthusiasts and adventurous visitors.

Teatro al Aire Libre Mauro Nuñez🎭 culture

Named after the famous Bolivian musician, this large open-air amphitheatre in Sucre hosts major public concerts and cultural festivals.

Túnel La Bóveda📍 landmark

Opened in 1947, this historic tunnel in Sucre is an interesting piece of urban infrastructure that facilitates passage through the city's hilly terrain.

La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días📍 landmark

Located in Sucre, this LDS church features the characteristic modern architecture typical of Latter-day Saint meetinghouses worldwide.

Iglesia de Cristo⛪ religious

Serving the local Christian community in Sucre, this place of worship has regular religious services and community gatherings.

🕒 Su 09:00-02:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is this church located?
It is located at the foot of Cerro Santa Ana in the city of Sucre.
What is Mirador de la Recoleta?
A viewpoint in front of the church with a view over all of Sucre.
Is there a museum there?
Yes, the adjoining monastery houses a museum of sacred art.
When is the best time to visit?
At sunset, when the 'White City' of Sucre glows beautifully.
Are there cafes nearby?
Yes, in the square in front of the church, there are cafes with nice views.
Iglesia de la Recoleta: where is it located?
Iglesia de la Recoleta is located in Bolivia.
Iglesia de la Recoleta: what is there to see?
Highlights include Escuela de Circo y Teatro Jawapi, Mirador Churuquella, Palacete del Guereo.
Iglesia de la Recoleta: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Iglesia de la Recoleta: why is it worth visiting?
The Church and Convent of La Recoleta in Sucre was founded in 1601 by the Franciscan Order and is beautifully situated at the foot of Santa Ana Hill.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Bolivia →

History & landmarks

Catedral Metropolitana de Sucre — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Catedral Metropolitana de Sucre
The principal cathedral of Sucre, known for its clock tower and impressive religious museum.
Convento de San Felipe Neri — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Convento de San Felipe Neri
A former convent in Sucre with magnificent neoclassical courtyards and a sprawling terracotta roof that you can walk on.

More places

Casa de la Libertad — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Casa de la Libertad
Bolivia's most significant historical building in Sucre, where the Bolivian Declaration of Independence was signed on August 6, 1825.
Convent of San Felipe Neri — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Convent of San Felipe Neri
A beautiful convent building in Sucre, known for its tiled roof that offers excellent views of the 'White City'.
Sucre Cretaceous Park — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Sucre Cretaceous Park
Fascinating dinosaur theme park in Sucre featuring thousands of authentic prehistoric footprints.
Castle of La Glorieta — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Castle of La Glorieta
An eccentric, fairytale castle near Sucre, built in the late 19th century, featuring an eclectic mix of various architectural styles.
Serranía de Iñao — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Serranía de Iñao
The Serranía de Iñao is a national park and mountainous region in Chuquisaca, characterized by pristine forests and steep slopes.
Convent of Santa Teresa (Potosí) — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Convent of Santa Teresa (Potosí)
A historic Carmelite convent in Potosí dating from 1685, which now serves as a museum showcasing the strict life of the nuns.
Incallajta — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Incallajta
Massive Inca fortress and administrative center built to protect the empire's eastern borders.
Torotoro National Park — Iglesia de la Recoleta (Bolivia)
Torotoro National Park
Spectacular national park famous for its deep canyons, limestone caves, and dinosaur fossils.