Templo de San Agustin, Colonial church in central La Paz, Bolivia

The Templo de San Agustín is a 17th-century viceregal church on Mercado Street in central La Paz, built from 1598 under the alarife Santiago de Vaca. Its three naves are covered by vaults, and the ceiling above the main altar carries Gothic rib ornamentation. The original facade and cloisters were demolished in the 19th century; the surviving stone portal bears the completion date 1668.

Construction began in 1598 under architect Santiago de Vaca and was completed in 1668 during the viceregal period. This lengthy building phase coincided with the rise of Spanish colonial architecture in the city.

The building displays Moorish wood carvings beneath the choir and Gothic vaulting above the altar, reflecting its origins in the colonial era. This blend of different artistic influences made it a meeting point for European and local craftsmanship traditions.

The church is located on Mercado Street 1266, next to La Paz's City Hall, making it easy to find. Being an active Catholic worship site, it is open to visitors, though you should respect worship times and religious services.

The Templo de San Agustín is the only surviving example of 17th-century viceregal religious architecture in La Paz. The original facade and cloisters were demolished in the 19th century; the primitive stone portal, bearing the date 1668, is the sole remaining testimony of that part of the building.