San Juan de Letran, Juli, Baroque church in Juli, Peru

San Juan de Letran is a church in Juli built of adobe with walls whose thickness varies with height. Its Latin-cross plan has a side portal of carved stone in a Baroque-mestizo style with Aymara motifs. Small windows have gold-leaf frames closed with translucent stone slabs.

Built between 1565 and 1602 on the Plazuela de San Juan, the church was begun by the Dominican order and completed by the Jesuits. It was also known as the church of San Juan Bautista. A first phase of restoration was finished in 2006, with full completion planned for mid-2007.

Inside hang large canvases from the Spanish, Italian and Cusco schools, set in carved and gilded wooden frames. The main altar is worked in gold leaf and hammered silver. The church was also known as San Juan Bautista, and its side portal carries Aymara motifs carved by local hands.

The church stands two blocks north of Plaza de Armas and welcomes visitors. Visiting during daylight hours and dressing respectfully will help you fully appreciate the religious space.

Several artworks inside come from Bernardo Bitti, an Italian Jesuit painter who greatly shaped colonial religious art. His pieces show a special connection between European painting traditions and local elements.