Cusco Cathedral
A magnificent 16th-century cathedral blending Renaissance and Baroque styles, built on Inca foundations, housing unique colonial art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Cusco Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 16th-century cathedral blending Renaissance and Baroque styles, built on Inca foundations, housing unique colonial art.
"The unique 'Last Supper' painting with a guinea pig is a must-see, despite the fee and photo ban."
📸 No Photos Allowed!
Remember, photography is strictly forbidden inside. Enjoy the art with your eyes!
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 40 Soles for entry. Consider it an investment in history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Last Supper Painting
Main Hall
A unique colonial masterpiece depicting Jesus and disciples with a guinea pig as the main course.
Colonial Art Collection
Throughout the Cathedral
Marvel at a vast collection of religious paintings and intricate woodwork from the colonial era.
Baroque Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the stunning blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, built on ancient Inca foundations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Photography Restrictions & Fees
Embrace the History with a Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photos Allowed!
Remember, photography is strictly forbidden inside. Enjoy the art with your eyes!
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 40 Soles for entry. Consider it an investment in history.
🗣️ Hire a Guide
Enhance your visit with a guide to understand the historical and artistic significance.
🖼️ Unique Last Supper
Don't miss the iconic 'Last Supper' painting with a local twist!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photos Allowed!
Remember, photography is strictly forbidden inside. Enjoy the art with your eyes!
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 40 Soles for entry. Consider it an investment in history.
🗣️ Hire a Guide
Enhance your visit with a guide to understand the historical and artistic significance.
🖼️ Unique Last Supper
Don't miss the iconic 'Last Supper' painting with a local twist!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cusco Cathedral architecturally impressive and rich in colonial art, particularly the unique 'Last Supper' painting. However, the 40 Soles entrance fee and strict no-photography policy are frequently cited drawbacks, leading some to feel it's overpriced.
"Lovely church. The sad part is they charge to enter, but you can not take any photos inside."
Roger Van Gramberg
"Cusco cathedral is very interesting to visit, especialy with the guide who introduce you to the history of cathedral and much more. Worth to visit. It is forbidden to take photos in the cathedral."
Nino Okruashvili
"Nice church but the unique thing to see here is the last supper painting depicting cuy (guinea pig) as the main course, a one of a kind treasure by Marcos Zapata.."
Gary Ma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cusco Cathedral is centrally located in the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco. It's easily accessible on foot from most hotels in the historic center. Taxis are also readily available to take you to the Plaza de Armas if your accommodation is further away.
Absolutely! The Cathedral is a stone's throw from other key sites like Qorikancha and the Santo Domingo Convent, making it easy to combine visits.
Walking is ideal if you're staying in the historic center. Otherwise, a short taxi ride will get you there quickly. Be aware of potential traffic in the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately 40 Soles per person. This price is consistent for most visitors.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Cusco Cathedral. This is a common point of frustration for visitors, but it's to protect the artwork.
The Cathedral is typically open from Monday to Saturday, usually from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check current hours before your visit.
While advance booking isn't usually necessary, purchasing tickets upon arrival at the entrance is the standard procedure.
Information on discounts is not widely advertised, but it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter if you qualify for any special rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most renowned piece is the 'Last Supper' painting by Marcos Zapata, which uniquely features a guinea pig (cuy) as the main dish.
Many visitors highly recommend hiring a guide. They provide invaluable context about the cathedral's history, art, and its significance in Cusco's development.
The Cathedral is a magnificent example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, built upon the foundations of an Inca palace, showcasing a fascinating blend of cultures.
Allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the cathedral thoroughly, especially if you opt for a guided tour.
It's one of the most important religious monuments in Cusco, built in the 16th and 17th centuries, and a symbol of the Spanish colonial influence on the region.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets are filled with restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine. You can find everything from quick bites to fine dining.
No, food and drinks are not permitted inside the cathedral to preserve the historical artifacts and artwork.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is strictly forbidden inside the cathedral. This is a firm rule enforced to protect the delicate artwork and religious artifacts.
The best exterior shots can be taken from the Plaza de Armas, offering a grand view of its facade. The surrounding streets also provide charming perspectives.
Unfortunately, no. The no-photography rule applies to all interior spaces. You'll need to rely on your memory or purchase postcards.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your children are interested in history and art, a guided tour can make the experience more dynamic. However, for very young children, the solemn atmosphere and lack of interactive elements might lead to restlessness. It's best to gauge your children's interest levels before planning a visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
If budget is a primary concern, you might consider prioritizing other attractions in Cusco that offer more value for money or have lower entry fees. However, if the historical and artistic significance is paramount, factor this cost into your itinerary. Exploring the Plaza de Armas from the outside offers great views without any charge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Last Supper' and its Local Twist
This painting is a prime example of the 'Cusco School' of painting, which flourished during the colonial period. Artists blended European techniques with local iconography and materials, creating a distinct artistic style. The detailed brushwork and vibrant colors, despite the age of the painting, are remarkable. Visitors often find this particular artwork to be a surprising and memorable highlight of their visit, sparking conversations about cultural adaptation and artistic expression.
A Cathedral Built on Inca Foundations
Exploring the cathedral's interior reveals not only colonial religious art but also architectural elements that hint at its Inca origins. The sheer scale of the building and the precision of its construction, even with European architectural styles, owe a debt to the advanced engineering skills of the Incas. This layering of history is what makes Cusco Cathedral more than just a religious site; it's a living museum of cultural transition and resilience. Many visitors are struck by this juxtaposition, finding it a profound symbol of Cusco's enduring legacy.
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