Templo y Convento de San Felipe Neri

The Neoclassical temple and convent of San Felipe Neri was founded by monks in the late 18th century and was built by slaves using stones from the local hills. The San Felipe monks were forced out of the country after the revolution of 25 de Mayo, leaving just the founder, Friar José Antonio de San Alberto, and a mestizo called Tin Tiku alone in the temple. They lived here for 30 years with little contact from the outside world – you will see artwork in the church painted by Tin Tinku during this time.

The tour takes you through the magnificent courtyard and then through various stairwells and corridors. These contain 18th and 19th-century paintings and cedar antique furniture dating back 200 years. You will also be taken to the Mudejar style roof terrace, which has beautiful views over the city. Finally you will be shown the church, built in a simple Baroque style.

You will need to be accompanied by a guide to enter the building and there is normally a university student available to take you around. These tours are generally excellent, with the students making extremely knowledgable, enthusiastic guides who will tell you the complete history of the building and are eager to answer your questions – ask to see if Maritza is working. Well worth a visit.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 2.30pm-6pm. Enter through the María Auxiliadora School at Calle Nicolas Ortiz 165.

Location:
Calle Nicolas Ortiz 165, near corner of Calle Dalence
Town Center, Sucre, Bolivia

Historical Building Types:
Churches, Monastery

Price Description: $1.50

Contact Information:
Phone: 4-645-4333

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