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Basilica of San Francisco

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Historical site
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Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)

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The Basilica of San Francisco in La Paz is one of the most significant examples of Mestizo Baroque architecture in South America. The first church on this site was founded in 1548, shortly after the city's establishment by Alonso de Mendoza. The current building was constructed between 1743 and 1784 after the original structure collapsed under the weight of heavy snowfall. The facade is renowned for its intricate stone carvings that blend Christian iconography with indigenous symbols, such as masks, snakes, and local flora. Built entirely of dark andesite stone, the basilica features a massive bell tower and a grand nave with a barrel vault. The attached monastery now houses the San Francisco Cultural Museum, which preserves a vast collection of colonial religious art and historical artifacts. As a central spiritual landmark in La Paz, the basilica continues to serve as a vital link between the city's Catholic faith and its deep Andean cultural roots.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C999876567999
Rain mm13611479351391622244844107

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Basílica de San Francisco in La Paz is an active Catholic church open to visitors. You can tour the nave and explore the richly decorated facade as well as the attached museum.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with breaks for services. The museum often has separate hours, usually in the mornings and afternoons.
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Photography
Inside the church, photography without flash is allowed to avoid damaging the artworks. On the museum floor, rules may differ; please ask the staff.
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Time needed
A visit to the church and museum usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. If you also want to explore the adjacent square and surroundings, allow one and a half hours.
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Combine with
The basilica is right on Plaza San Francisco in central La Paz. Combine the visit with a walk to Calle Jaén or Plaza Murillo.
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Getting there
The basilica is easily reachable on foot in La Paz's historic center. The nearest teleférico station (Azul line) is about a 10-minute walk away.
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Insider tip
Visit the church in the late afternoon when sunlight bathes the stone facade in a warm glow. The attached museum showcases religious art and historical artifacts.

Geography

Coordinates
-16.49600, -68.13740

Facts

  • The first church was founded in 1548
  • Current structure built between 1743 and 1784
  • Facade crafted from dark andesite stone
  • The original roof collapsed in 1610
  • The main altar is decorated with gold leaf
  • The monastery functions as a major cultural museum

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 Basilica of San Francisco (7)

Tambo Quirquincho🏛 museum

Housed in a colonial-era building, this museum exhibits regional historical artifacts and traditional art.

🕒 Tu-Fr 09:00-12:30, 14:30-19:00; Sa-Mo 09:00-13:00

Museo de Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia🏛 museum

Visitors can explore a vast collection of traditional Bolivian string and wind instruments at this specialized museum.

Urban Rush📍 landmark

Thrill-seekers can experience urban rappelling straight down the side of a high-rise building at this unique attraction.

🕒 Mo-Su 12:00-18:00

Museo San Francisco🏛 museum

Situated within a historic convent, this museum displays an extensive collection of colonial religious art and artifacts.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00💶

Plaza Vicenta Juaristi Eguino🌳 park

This public urban park is dedicated to Vicenta Juaristi Eguino, a renowned heroine of the Bolivian independence movement.

Mercado Lanza🎭 culture

Known for its massive concrete architecture, this recognized market complex is filled with stalls selling local food and fresh flowers.

Iglesia de San Sebastián📍 landmark

Serving the historic downtown area, this traditional Christian church features a simple yet elegant architectural facade.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the basilica?
It is a magnificent Baroque building and a major landmark of La Paz.
Can you go onto the roof?
Yes, you can take a tour of the roof through the San Francisco Museum.
Is there a museum inside?
Yes, the Centro Cultural Museo San Francisco displays religious art and history.
Is photography allowed during the mass?
No, photography and disturbances are prohibited during services.
Where is the church located?
On Plaza San Francisco, a busy square in the city center.
Basilica of San Francisco: where is it located?
Basilica of San Francisco is located in Bolivia.
Basilica of San Francisco: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tambo Quirquincho, Museo de Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia, Urban Rush.
Basilica of San Francisco: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Nov.
Basilica of 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 South America.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Basílica de San Francisco — Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)
Basílica de San Francisco
Exquisite Catholic basilica in La Paz showcasing a unique blend of Baroque and indigenous art.
Mercado de las Brujas — Basilica of 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 — Basilica of 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 — Basilica of 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 — Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)
Plaza Murillo
The central square of La Paz and the historical heart of Bolivian politics and government.
Estación Central Mi Teleférico — Basilica of 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 — Basilica of 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 — Basilica of 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.

Nature

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

More places

Palacio Quemado — Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)
Palacio Quemado
The historic presidential residence in La Paz, named after a fire during an 1875 uprising.
Cathedral of La Paz — Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)
Cathedral of La Paz
An imposing neoclassical cathedral on the Plaza Murillo, whose construction spanned more than a century.
Chacaltaya — Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)
Chacaltaya
Chacaltaya was once the highest ski resort in the world before its glacier completely melted in 2009.
Vesty Pakos Zoo — Basilica of 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 — Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)
Huayna Potosí
Stunning pyramid-shaped mountain near La Paz, popular as an accessible 6,000-meter climb.
Valley of the Souls — Basilica of 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 — Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)
Zongo Valley
The Zongo Valley is a steep gorge near La Paz, known for its hydroelectric facilities and breathtaking cloud forests.
Cordillera Real — Basilica of San Francisco (Bolivia)
Cordillera Real
Spectacular glaciated mountain range that separates the Altiplano from the Amazon basin.