Church of San Lorenzo


In the picturesque town of Potosi , which is located in the central part of Bolivia , is the most beautiful and oldest monument of the colonial era - the Church of San Lorenzo.

History of the Church of San Lorenzo

The construction of the church of San Lorenzo began in 1548. At that time it was used as the first church parish for the Spanish colonists and Indians. After 10 years, the heavy arch of the temple collapsed, and major repairs were carried out. Over the course of two centuries, several reconstructions were carried out, and only in the 18th century the temple gained its present appearance. The churches of San Lorenzo gave a view that was typical of all the churches of the time: it was a building with a central dome and a richly decorated Baroque façade. In the XVI century, local craftsmen carved out of stone the most delicate bas-relief, which was decorated with floral ornament. Over the next century, a bell tower was added to the church and a niche was built.

The uniqueness of the church of Saint-Lorenzo

The decoration of the church of Saint-Lorenzo is a luxurious portal made in the Baroque style. It is decorated with many fine and elegant sculptural details, each of which carries its own meaning. So, here you can see the following images:

The center of the facade of the church of San Lorenzo is the figure of the Archangel of San Miguel (Saint Michael). Above him are carved figures of San Lorenzo and San Vicente.

The facade of the church of San Lorenzo is an excellent example of mixing styles. That is why the temple can be called a unique monument of colonial architecture. It is still unclear who is the author of the luxurious facade of the church of San Lorenzo. According to some reports, the architect Bernardo de Rojas and the local artist Luis Niño worked on it. The construction itself took place with the participation of Indian masons. Inside the church of San Lorenzo, you can admire the canvases of Melchor Pérez de Olgin, as well as the incredibly beautiful altar, adorned with elements of silver. The door of the temple is decorated with silver inserts.

While relaxing in the resort town of Potosi, do not miss the opportunity to visit the church of San Lorenzo. Studying it, you can feel the spirit of the colonial era and see a truly unique architectural structure, which was built by skilled craftsmen.

How to get to the temple?

The church of San Lorenzo is located in the city of Potosi on the street Bustillos, next to which lie Chayantha and Eroes del Chaco streets. Literally a 7-minute walk from the church is the central bus station of Potosi, so it's easy to get to it. To do this, it is enough to use a rented car, public transport or taxi services. Just keep in mind that the street Bustillos is narrow enough, therefore it is inconvenient to park on it.