The Churches of Sucre

Sucre has scores of churches and religious buildings dating back to colonial times. Many of these still maintain their original features and have unique histories. Most of the churches are in regular use and give daily mass – the doors are usually closed outside these times.

San Lázaro (corner of Calle Calvo and Calle Padilla) is one of the oldest churches in the city and was the main place of worship when the cathedral was being built. It was remodeled several times during the 17th and 18th centuries and contains some interesting artwork. Mass is held daily at 7am, Sundays 9.30am and 7pm.

Santa Teresa (Calle San Alberto 402, near Calle Potosí) is a working monastery that was founded in the 17th century. The temple has a single nave and also contains a number of oil paintings. Mass is celebrated daily at 7am.

The 16th-century Santo Domingo (corner of Calle Calvo and Calle Bolívar) was built in the transition period between Baroque and Neoclassical styles. It’s an impressive church with high arched ceilings with gold-leaf rose detail, and numerous alters. Mass is held daily at 7am, Sundays at 7.15am and 6.30pm.

The Jesuit temple of San Miguel (Calle Arenales 100, near Plaza 25 de Mayo) was built in the 17th century. The interior has been handcrafted with Mudejar stucco work. It’s situated right next to the San Francisco Xavier University. Mass is held daily at 8am and 7.15pm.

Santa Mónica (corner of Calle Junín and Calle Arenales) was built in 1574, making it the oldest church in the city. It has a beautiful mestizo Baroque facade. It now forms part of a local school.

The convent of San Agustín, or Maria Auxiliadora (Calle Olañeta 110, near corner of Calle Junín) was founded in 1564. There’s an impressive painting of Maria Auxiliadora at the main alter and it has a Roman Renaissance style facade. It now forms part of a school.

The beautiful Santa Bárbara chapel (corner of Plaza Libertad and Calle Destacamento 111) was built in the 16th century. The front entrance is made out of stone and was modelled in the Renaissance style. The interior was modified in the late 19th century and now displays a neo-Gothic style. Mass is celebrated daily at 7am and 6pm, Sundays 9.30pm.

La Rotonda chapel (Calle Ladislao Cabrera) was built for former Bolivian president Manuel Isidoro Belzu in the mid-19th century. He wanted to give thanks to the Virgen de Carmen for protecting him after someone tried to assassinate him. The chapel is now the main place of worship for the annual Festival de La Virgen del Carmen. The building was modelled after the San Pietro in Montorio in Rome and has 28 columns and a domed roof.

Other churches include 16th century San Sebastian (Calle Junín 245, near corner of Calle Manuel María Urcullo), with its carved main alter; San Roque (Plaza Beni) and Santa Rita (Calle Ravelo, near corner of Calle Loa).

Location:
Sucre, Bolivia

Historical Building Types:
Churches and religious buildings

Relative price: Free

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