Area of ​​San Francisco


Cuzco is a city in Peru , which is rightly considered the archaeological capital of South America. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an open-air museum. The ancient buildings of the Incas closely intertwine with the Spanish colonial architecture. Walking around the city is a pleasure, because almost every building is a historical memo.

The San Francisco Square in Cuzco is a beautiful quiet place in the middle of the city, the facades of the houses are decorated with closed carved balconies. You can get here through the enfilade of alleys or the openwork arch of Santa Clara. The square itself is pretty, drowning in greenery. There is a large number of benches and benches located in the shade where you can relax from the bustle of the central market of San Pedro, which is just around the corner.

What is the famous square?

On San Francisco Square in Cusco dominates the church of the same name with a monastery, which was built by order of the viceroy Francisco de Toledo in 1572. True, a little later there was an earthquake that destroyed the temple, but in 1651 the monastery was rebuilt. During this period, an inner square was added to it. The architectural complex has a high square tower, three naves and resembles its shape a Latin cross. When the monastery was erected, the builders used a special tile brought from Seville. In the basement of the historical complex, a whole network of underground galleries and catacombs was created, which at one time served as a cemetery.

In the temple there is an impressive collection of colonial art, where works of famous Peruvian artists Diego Quispe Tito and Marcos Zapata are collected. Inside the church there is a huge canvas, measuring 12x9 meters, showing the genealogy of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was the founder of the Franciscan order. This work was performed by the famous master of Juan Espinoza de Los Moterosa in Peru. Around the altar there are skilful pictures, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis.

On the San Francisco Square in Cusco is a monument to Augustine Gamarre. It was a political and statesman, Peruvian military, Great Marshal of Peru, who was twice elected president of the country.

On Sundays there is also a mini-festival. Here, sellers of souvenirs and local products come with a diverse and inexpensive Peruvian goods. Tents and cafes with very tasty national food are also installed. For example, a large portion of chicken with rice will cost only three dollars. These days the area is lively and crowded, here not only tourists but also locals like to rest.

Long ago, at the time of the Incas, San Francisco Square, Regosicho and Armas formed one large common area where the indigenous population celebrated the main holidays dedicated to the Sun.

How to get to San Francisco Square in Cuzco?

In Cusco from Lima flies a huge number of aircraft, the flight lasts about an hour. Bus direct routes do not exist, the shortest pass will be through Nazca and will take about a day. It is easy to get to the square: it will be just on the way, if you go towards the main market of the city in the San Pedro district.

The San Francisco Square in Cusco is in the historic center of the city and is second only to the Armory . Arriving in Peru , be sure to visit the city museum and go through its ancient streets.