San Francisco Church, Colonial Catholic temple in central Cusco, Peru
San Francisco Church is a colonial temple in central Cusco with three naves of varying heights, a single bell tower, and a Latin cross floor plan. The building was constructed from stone and lime mortar, displaying the characteristic architecture of Spanish builders during that period.
The church was commissioned in 1572 by Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, but underwent major reconstruction after the 1650 earthquake. The building as it stands today was completed in 1652 following this extensive rebuilding.
The church displays the largest oil painting in South America, a monumental genealogical tree of the Franciscan order with hundreds of depicted figures. This work covers an entire wall and tells the story of the religious community that shaped this place.
The site is accessible during set opening hours, with different schedules on weekdays and weekends. Visitors should check in advance whether certain areas such as the catacombs or library are open during their visit.
Beneath the church lie catacombs containing the remains of former Franciscan order members. The complex also houses a remarkable library that includes a bible printed in five languages, showing how this institution reached different communities.
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