Iglesia de San Francisco, La Serena

The stone church features a main facade with four decorated pilasters, intricate low-relief panels, and Renaissance-style triple entrance doors.

The construction began in 1590 under Fray Francisco Medina, using limestone from Peñuelas Alto and wood from Fray Jorge Forest, completing in 1627.

The church incorporates European Mannerist architecture with Baroque elements and pre-Columbian motifs, representing the fusion of Spanish and indigenous influences.

The religious complex includes an adjacent museum of religious art and stands at the intersection of Balmaceda and Eduardo de la Barra streets.

This structure remained the only church to survive the 1680 attack by pirate Bartholomew Sharp, who set fire to the city of La Serena.

Location: La Serena

GPS coordinates: -29.90453,-71.24976

Latest update: March 13, 2025 08:35