Pomata Church Santiago Apóstol
A stunning Baroque church in Pomata, Puno, Peru, renowned for its intricate stone carvings and unique planiforme architectural style.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Likely to be open
Pomata Church Santiago Apóstol
Best Time
Likely to be open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Baroque church in Pomata, Puno, Peru, renowned for its intricate stone carvings and unique planiforme architectural style.
"A very beautiful, atmospheric church, a gem of art with ornamentation carved entirely in stone."
Check Opening Hours
Many visitors note the church opens around 1 PM. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Donation Appreciated
A small donation is requested to help maintain this beautiful historical site. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Stone Carvings
Throughout the church
Marvel at the detailed stone ornamentation, from the pulpit to the vault and windows. A true masterpiece of colonial art.
The Grand Altar
Main Altar
The main altarpiece, dating back to around 1725, is a breathtaking example of Baroque artistry, richly adorned and a focal point of the church's interior.
Unique Planiforme Facade
Exterior Facade
Admire the distinctive planiforme style of the church's facade, featuring columns with unique decorative elements.
Fabulous Vaults and Windows
Interior Vaults and Windows
The church's vault is described as fabulous, with incredible stone windows that add to its unique architectural charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Pomata's Baroque Gem
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Hours
Many visitors note the church opens around 1 PM. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Donation Appreciated
A small donation is requested to help maintain this beautiful historical site. :pray:
Stone Artistry
The entire church, including the pulpit, is intricately carved from stone. Take your time to appreciate the details. :gem:
Part of a Route
Consider visiting as part of the Desaguadero-Puno route for a scenic journey. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Hours
Many visitors note the church opens around 1 PM. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Donation Appreciated
A small donation is requested to help maintain this beautiful historical site. :pray:
Stone Artistry
The entire church, including the pulpit, is intricately carved from stone. Take your time to appreciate the details. :gem:
Part of a Route
Consider visiting as part of the Desaguadero-Puno route for a scenic journey. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Santiago Apóstol Church in Pomata as a beautiful and atmospheric historical gem. Its intricate stone carvings, from the pulpit to the vault and windows, are highlighted as exceptional artistic achievements. While the church is a must-see on the Puno route, some note that opening hours can be unpredictable and a donation is requested.
"A very beautiful, atmospheric church"
Piotr Matuszewski
"Pomata, Peru."
Mário Henriques
"The Santiago Apóstol Church in Pomata, Puno, is a gem of art. It's beautiful, all the ornamentation is carved in stone, including the pulpit. The vault is fabulous, and the stone windows are incredible. A must-see on the Desaguadero Puno route."
Roxana Ramirez Labarthe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pomata is located in the province of Chucuito, Puno Region, Peru. The church is situated in Pomata Square. Many visitors include it as a stop on the Desaguadero-Puno route. You can typically reach Pomata by bus or private transport from Puno or Desaguadero.
Yes, the Santiago Apóstol Church is a prominent landmark located in the main square of Pomata, making it easy to find once you arrive in the town.
Buses are a common and affordable option for traveling between Puno and Pomata. Private taxis or tours are also available for more flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a formal ticket purchase, visitors are typically asked to make a donation to help with the upkeep of the church.
Opening hours can vary, but many visitors report that the church opens around 1 PM. It's advisable to check locally or confirm before your visit.
No official entrance fee, but a donation is appreciated by the church authorities.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The church is renowned for its intricate Baroque architecture, almost entirely carved from stone. Key features include its ornate facade, the main altarpiece, and detailed stone windows and vaults. +1
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, allowing you to capture its stunning stone carvings and atmospheric interior. 
The planiforme style refers to a decorative technique characterized by flat, relief carvings, often featuring geometric patterns and stylized motifs, which is prominent in the church's facade and interior details.
Information on accessibility is limited, but as a historic stone structure, some areas might present challenges. It's best to inquire locally if you have specific concerns.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the detailed stone carvings of the facade, the main altarpiece, the unique stone windows, and the interior vault. The exterior architecture itself is also very photogenic.
Natural light filtering through the stone windows can create a beautiful, atmospheric effect. Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best natural illumination.
Look for the unique columns with planiforme decoration, the pulpit carved from stone, and any depictions of local flora or fauna within the carvings, such as birds or chinchillas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Keep in mind that the church is a historical monument, so maintaining a respectful demeanor is important. The opening hours can be a factor, so planning your visit for the afternoon when it's likely to be open is advisable. The donation requested is usually a small amount, making it budget-friendly for families.
🏛️ History & Art Enthusiasts
+1Key elements to study include the main altarpiece, the stone pulpit, and the ornate facades with their detailed columns. The vaults and stone windows are also architectural marvels. The presence of local motifs within the carvings adds another layer of interest, showcasing the fusion of European and indigenous artistic traditions.
+1 This church is a significant site for understanding the artistic heritage of the Puno region and Peru. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Santiago Apóstol
+2Key architectural features include the main altarpiece, a masterpiece of Baroque craftsmanship dating to around 1725, and the fabulous vault that crowns the interior. The church also boasts incredible stone windows, which not only provide light but are themselves works of art. The exterior facades, particularly the main and side portals, showcase columns adorned with detailed carvings, sometimes incorporating local motifs like birds and chinchillas, reflecting a blend of European and indigenous artistic influences.
+2This architectural richness makes the church a significant cultural heritage site. Its construction, spanning roughly from 1760 to 1794, represents a period of intense artistic development in the region. Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer artistry and the preservation of these detailed stone works, making it a must-see for anyone interested in colonial Peruvian architecture.
+2Pomata: A Gem on the Puno Route
Visiting Pomata allows travelers to experience a less crowded, more authentic side of the Puno region. The church itself is the primary draw, but the town's setting also provides a sense of traditional Andean life. The journey to Pomata offers scenic views of the surrounding landscapes, making the trip as enjoyable as the destination.
For those planning a trip to Puno, incorporating a visit to Pomata and its magnificent church is highly recommended. It provides a unique opportunity to witness exceptional colonial art and architecture in a serene setting, away from the larger tourist crowds.
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