DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Basílica de San Francisco

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°10
Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)

Weather…

The Basilica of San Francisco in La Paz is one of the most significant examples of Mestizo Baroque architecture in Latin America. Construction of the current church began in 1743 and was completed in 1784, with its facade showcasing a fascinating blend of Catholic iconography and indigenous motifs, such as local flora, fauna, and Andean deities. Built from dark stone, the church impresses with its massive walls and intricately carved interior altars. Attached is the San Francisco Museum, housed in the former cloisters of the convent, which holds a rich collection of religious art and provides access to the roof. From the church's rooftop, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary view of the bustling Plaza San Francisco and the surrounding mountain landscape of La Paz. The basilica serves not only as a religious center but also as a historical testament to the fusion of Spanish colonial culture and Aymara traditions.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C999876567999
Rain mm13611479351391622244844107

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Basílica de San Francisco in La Paz is open to visitors; you can tour the nave, cloister, and the attached museum. The inner courtyard with its fountain is particularly characterful.
🕒
Typical hours
The basilica is typically open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Lunch breaks may interrupt opening hours, so ask on site.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the basilica, but without flash to respect the blend of Baroque and indigenous art. The carved stone façade is a popular photo subject.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit typically takes about one and a half hours if you also see the museum and cloister. For a thorough look at the artworks, allow two hours.
➕
Combine with
The basilica is in the heart of La Paz, just steps from Plaza Murillo and the cathedral. Combine your visit with a walk along nearby Calle Jaén with its colonial houses.
🧭
Getting there
The basilica is easily reachable on foot from central La Paz. From the city bus terminal, take line 2 or a taxi (about 10 minutes).
💡
Insider tip
Look for the hidden indigenous symbols in the Baroque architecture - a unique example of mestizo art. Also visit the convent museum to see religious art and historical artifacts.

Geography

Coordinates
-16.49580, -68.13730

Facts

  • The first church on this site was founded as early as 1548.
  • The current structure was built between 1743 and 1784.
  • The facade features indigenous symbols like local birds and faces.
  • It is a primary example of the 'Andean Baroque' or Mestizo style.
  • The adjacent museum houses rare colonial paintings and artifacts.
  • Visitors can walk on the roof to see panoramic views of La Paz.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mercado de las BrujasMercado de las Brujas<1 km · SWExplore →
Monumento a Eduardo AbaroaMonumento a Eduardo Abaroa1 km · NExplore →
ChacaltayaChacaltaya7 km · SEExplore →
Vesty Pakos ZooVesty Pakos Zoo7 km · NWExplore →
Huayna PotosíHuayna Potosí10 km · EExplore →
Valley of the SoulsValley of the Souls12 km · NExplore →
Zongo ValleyZongo Valley16 km · EExplore →
Cordillera RealCordillera Real26 km · NEExplore →

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 Basílica de San Francisco (10)

Museo San Francisco🏛 museum

Museum in the San Francisco convent in La Paz. Displays religious art and historical objects.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00💶

Basílica de San Francisco

Church in La Paz, Bolivia. A major colonial building in the city.

Casa de la Cultura Franz Tamayo

Museum in Bolivia. Hosts cultural exhibitions and events.

Mercado Lanza

Marketplace in La Paz. Sells food and local goods.

Urban Rush

Attraction in La Paz. Provides activities like ziplining or rappelling.

Inca Land Tours

Travel agency in La Paz. Organizes tours to Bolivian landmarks.

Bolivia's first prison

Archaeological site, Bolivia's first prison in La Paz.

Servicio Higiénico Municipal - Perez

Public toilet in La Paz. Part of the municipal infrastructure.

Museo de la Coca🏛 museum

Museum in La Paz dedicated to the history and culture of the coca plant.

Tambo Quirquincho🏛 museum

Museum in La Paz. Shows archaeological and ethnographic collections.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the basilica located?
It is located in the center of La Paz at Plaza San Francisco.
Can you visit the roof?
Yes, via the Museo San Francisco you can climb onto the church roof.
What architectural style is it?
It is an outstanding example of Mestizo Baroque.
Is there an entry fee?
The church is free; there is a fee for the museum and the roof.
When are the masses?
Daily morning and evening; tourists should visit outside mass times.
Basílica de San Francisco: where is it located?
Basílica de San Francisco is located in Bolivia.
Basílica de San Francisco: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo San Francisco, Basílica de San Francisco, Casa de la Cultura Franz Tamayo.
Basílica de San Francisco: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Nov.
Basílica de San Francisco: why is it worth visiting?
The Basilica of San Francisco in La Paz is one of the most significant examples of Mestizo Baroque architecture in Latin America.
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

Mercado de las Brujas — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Mercado de las Brujas
The fascinating Witches' Market in La Paz is full of traditional remedies, amulets, and spiritual offerings for Pachamama.
Obelisco de La Paz — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Obelisco de La Paz
A historic monument in the middle of La Paz's traffic center, serving as an important landmark in the city.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz
The neoclassical cathedral on Plaza Murillo impresses with its steep stairs and magnificent dome.
Plaza Murillo — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Plaza Murillo
The central square of La Paz and the historical heart of Bolivian politics and government.
Estación Central Mi Teleférico — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Estación Central Mi Teleférico
The main station of the spectacular cable car network in La Paz, which was formerly the city's old central train station.
Mirador Killi Killi — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Mirador Killi Killi
A strategically located viewpoint on a hill that offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of La Paz and Mount Illimani.
Monumento a Eduardo Abaroa — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Monumento a Eduardo Abaroa
A monument on the plaza of the same name in La Paz, dedicated to the Bolivian national hero Eduardo Abaroa from the War of the Pacific.
Mirador Laikakota — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Mirador Laikakota
A popular park and viewpoint in the Parque Urbano Central, offering excellent views of the low-lying part of La Paz.

Nature

Desaguadero River — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Desaguadero River
The Desaguadero River is the main outflow of Lake Titicaca and feeds Lake Poopó further south.

More places

Basilica of San Francisco — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Basilica of San Francisco
A monumental Catholic church in the heart of La Paz, known for its richly decorated stone facade in the Andean Baroque style.
Palacio Quemado — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Palacio Quemado
The historic presidential residence in La Paz, named after a fire during an 1875 uprising.
Cathedral of La Paz — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Cathedral of La Paz
An imposing neoclassical cathedral on the Plaza Murillo, whose construction spanned more than a century.
Chacaltaya — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Chacaltaya
Chacaltaya was once the highest ski resort in the world before its glacier completely melted in 2009.
Vesty Pakos Zoo — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Vesty Pakos Zoo
The highest altitude zoo in the world, located in La Paz, focusing on the rescue and rehabilitation of native Andean wildlife.
Huayna Potosí — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Huayna Potosí
Stunning pyramid-shaped mountain near La Paz, popular as an accessible 6,000-meter climb.
Valley of the Souls — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Valley of the Souls
A fascinating geological site near La Paz with towering, needle-like rock formations that attract young explorers.
Zongo Valley — Basílica de San Francisco (Bolivia)
Zongo Valley
The Zongo Valley is a steep gorge near La Paz, known for its hydroelectric facilities and breathtaking cloud forests.