Templo de Santiago Apostol de Lampa, Colonial church in Lampa, Puno, Peru.
The Templo de Santiago Apostol is a colonial church in Lampa featuring pink limestone walls and a 35 meter tower on the right side of its facade. The interior displays wooden altars and religious artworks that reflect the craftsmanship of the Spanish colonial period.
Construction of the church took place between 1675 and 1685 under orders from the Bishop of Cusco, Manuel de Mollinedo y Angulo. It was built during a period when Spanish colonial authorities were reshaping the Andes and establishing new religious centers.
The church serves as the spiritual center of the town and is named after its patron saint Santiago. Visitors can observe how the space brings together residents for religious gatherings and community celebrations.
The building is easily accessible from the town of Lampa and is best visited during the dry season from May to October. During these months, weather is stable and allows for a pleasant visit to the site.
Inside the church stands an exact replica of Michelangelo's Pieta, a surprising artwork for this remote location in the Andes. This replica is a rare example of how European masterworks found their way into South American colonial settlements.
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