Cathedral of Cusco

The Cathedral of Cusco, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, is one of the most important religious monuments of the city. It is located in the Plaza de Armas, in the historic center of Cusco, and is one of the most emblematic buildings of the colonial era in Peru.

Construction

The construction of the cathedral began in 1559, shortly after the arrival of the Spaniards to Cusco. The cathedral was built on the foundations of the ancient Temple of the Sun of the Incas, using stones from nearby Inca ruins. The cathedral was built in Renaissance and Baroque style and has three main naves.

Interior of the Cathedral

Inside, the Cusco Cathedral houses an important collection of religious art, with works by artists of the Cusco School, such as Diego Quispe Tito and Bernardo Bitti. It also has numerous chapels, highlighting the Chapel of the Tabernacle, which has a collection of ornaments and liturgical objects of gold and silver.

The Cathedral of Cusco is considered one of the most important cathedrals of Peru and is an important tourist destination in the city. On the outside, its main facade stands out, which has two towers and a large carved stone access portal. The cathedral is an essential place to visit in Cusco, both for its historical value and its religious and cultural importance.

Architecture of the Cathedral of Cusco

The Cathedral of Cusco is an imposing construction of Renaissance and Baroque style. It has a Latin cross plan, with three main naves, six side chapels and a dome on the transept. It is built with carved stone, mainly andesite, and has a main facade in white stone.

Main façade

In its main facade, the cathedral has two symmetrical towers, of three bodies each, that end in domes. In the center of the facade is the great access portal, which is surrounded by moldings and decorations carved in stone. Above the portal is a window with a wrought iron balcony.

Interior of the Cathedral

Inside the cathedral, the main naves are separated by columns and semicircular arches. The ceiling of the cathedral is vaulted and has numerous oil paintings of the Cusquenian School, representing biblical scenes and the history of the region. The side chapels have altarpieces carved in gilded and polychrome wood, with works of art of the Cusquenian School.

Chapel of the Sagrario

The Sagrario Chapel stands out, which has an altarpiece carved in gilded and polychrome wood, with reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. In this chapel is the famous Christ of the Light, a carved and polychrome wood sculpture dating from the seventeenth century.

Interior of the Cathedral of Cusco

What is inside the Cusco Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral of Cusco you can find numerous canvases and paintings that are part of its rich collection of sacred art. Most of these works of art belong to the Cusco School, an artistic movement that emerged in the city of Cusco in the seventeenth century and was characterized by the fusion of European and Andean elements in their religious art.

Among the most outstanding works that can be found inside the cathedral are:

The Altar of San Sebastian

The Painting of the Last Supper

The Painting of the Virgin of La Leche

Canvas of the Last Supper – Cusco Cathedral