Palacio del Cabildo del Cusco, Civic building on Plaza Regocijo, Cusco, Peru
Palacio del Cabildo del Cusco is a neoclassical administrative building standing on the Plaza Regocijo with a commanding facade facing the historic square. The structure now houses the mayor's office, a conference center, and the Contemporary Art Museum, which opened in 1995.
The Spanish cabildo of Cusco was founded on 23 March 1534, with its first session held two days later. From 1569 the council occupied the north side of the Plaza de Tlanguiz, later Plaza del Cabildo. In 1840 General Agustín Gamarra demolished the Augustinian convent by cannon fire, and its stonework was reused in the palace; the facade bears the date 1848. Emilio Harth Terré remodelled it in 1938–1939.
The exterior and interior portals of the palace come from the cloister of the Augustinian convent, which General Agustín Gamarra demolished with cannon fire in 1840 during the war against the Peru-Bolivian Confederation. The stone elements were reused in the palace, and the adaptation was completed by 1848, the date carved on the frontispiece.
The palace sits directly on the Plaza Regocijo in central Cusco, making it easy to find and visit while exploring the old city center. Visitors can view the exterior freely and may access interior spaces depending on current exhibitions or official functions.
The exterior portals and interior arcades of the palace come from the Augustinian convent that General Agustín Gamarra demolished with cannon fire in 1840 during the war against the Peru-Bolivian Confederation. Their stonework was reused here, and the year 1848 is carved on the frontispiece.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,622 contributors worldwide.
