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Cusco Cathedral
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Landmark
The Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption in Cusco is a majestic symbol of the city's colonial history and its complex religious identity. Constructed between 1560 and 1654 on the site of the Inca palace of Kiswarkancha, it is a masterpiece of Gothic-Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The cathedral is famous for its 'Cusco School' paintings, most notably the 'Last Supper' by Marcos Zapata, which features a roasted guinea pig (cuy) on the table, a unique Andean touch. The interior is filled with gold and silver-plated altars and a massive choir carved from cedar. Its towers house the famous Maria Angola bell, whose deep chime can be heard for miles. The cathedral stands as a powerful reminder of the Spanish attempt to replace Inca traditions with Catholicism, resulting in a unique cultural fusion.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Museum of Religious Art · Church of the Society of Jesus · Basílica Menor de la Merced
- Nearby: Urubamba (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 129 | 127 | 96 | 44 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 8 | 18 | 63 | 72 | 137 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Cusco Cathedral is open to visitors; the magnificent interior can be seen during regular hours or mass. Entry is ticketed, with the ticket office at the entrance.
Typical hours
The cathedral is typically open daily from morning to late afternoon, with a lunch break. Sundays and holidays often have reduced hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside without flash, but not in all areas; signs indicate restrictions. The baroque facade and the main square provide excellent photo subjects.
Time needed
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to appreciate the art treasures and altar paintings. Those visiting the attached exhibition should add 20 minutes.
Combine with
The cathedral is on the Plaza de Armas, Cusco's central square. Nearby are La Compañía Church and the Inca Museum, first-rate for a combined visit.
Getting there
The cathedral is in Cusco's historic center, which can be explored on foot. Taxis and buses stop at the square; the airport is about 15 minutes by car.
Insider tip
Buy your ticket online in advance to avoid long queues, especially in peak season. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets around the cathedral are uneven.
Geography
Facts
- Built using stones taken from the nearby Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán.
- The 'Last Supper' painting shows a local guinea pig (cuy) as the main dish.
- Features the Maria Angola bell, the largest in Peru, cast in 1659 from gold and bronze.
- The cathedral's main altar is covered in solid silver, weighing over 400 kilograms.
- Houses the 'Lord of the Earthquakes' (Taytacha Temblores), the city's most revered statue.
- The building took nearly 100 years to complete due to its massive scale.
- Included in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the city of Cusco.
- Features 11 auxiliary chapels, each with its own ornate altar and artwork.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Cusco Cathedral (12)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the highlight of the cathedral?
The impressive art collection and the painting of the 'Last Supper'.
Is photography allowed there?
Usually, photography inside is prohibited.
Is admission free?
No, there is an entrance fee.
How long does the visit take?
About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Is it accessible?
Mostly flat, but there are some stairs.
Cusco Cathedral: where is it located?
Cusco Cathedral is located in Peru.
Cusco Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum of Religious Art, Church of the Society of Jesus, Basílica Menor de la Merced.
Cusco Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Cusco Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
The Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption in Cusco is a majestic symbol of the city's colonial history and its complex religious identity.
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History & landmarks
Cristo Blanco
A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.
Coricancha
The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Q'enqo
One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.
Tambomachay
An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.
Pisac Ruins
An extensive Inca site in the Sacred Valley, known for its huge agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers.
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.
Ollantaytambo
One of the best-preserved Inca towns with an impressive fortress, located in the Sacred Valley.
Nature
More places
Qorikancha
The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti, on which the Spanish built a monastery.
Puka Pukara
An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.
Potato Park of Pisac
An agricultural zone managed by indigenous communities that protects over a thousand native potato varieties.
Pisac
Inca ruins with extensive agricultural terraces above the Sacred Valley.
Tipón
An impressive Inca complex known for its advanced agricultural water system.
Pikillaqta
One of the few well-preserved pre-Inca ruin cities of the Wari culture near Cusco.
Constancia Mine
An open-pit copper and molybdenum mine located in the Chumbivilcas province of Cusco.
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.