Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The doors are open for Mass between 6am and 10am. If you decide to attend, keep your
camera stowed (or you might not be let in) and remain seated for the duration of the mass.
IGLESIA DE LA COMPAÑÍA DE JESÚS
(Plaza de Armas; admission S15 or with boleto religioso; 9-11:30am & 1-5:30pm)
Built upon the
palace of Huayna Cápac, the last Inca to rule an undivided empire, this fabulously ornate
church was originally built by the Jesuits in 1571 (and restored after the 1650 earthquake).
At the time of construction, the Jesuits planned to make it the most magnificent of
Cuzco's churches. But Cuzco's archbishop complained that its splendor should not rival
that of the cathedral, and the squabble grew to a point where Pope Paul III was called
upon to arbitrate. His decision was in favor of the cathedral, but by the time word reached
Cuzco, La Compañía was just about finished, complete with an incredible baroque facade
and Peru's biggest altar, all crowned by a soaring dome.
Two large canvases near the main door show early marriages in Cuzco and are worth
examining for their wealth of period detail.
Local student guides are available to show you around the church, as well as the grand
view from the choir on the 2nd floor, reached via rickety steps. Tips are gratefully accep-
ted.
| Church
MUSEO INKA
( 23-7380; Tucumán at Ataúd; admission S10; 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat)
A steep block
north from the plaza, a restored colonial house serves as the best museum in town for
those interested in the Incas. The displays are modest, but the collection of artifacts is sig-
nificant, including goldwork, jewelry, pottery, mummies, models, an impressive collection
of
queros
(ceremonial drinking cups) and historic textiles - including one that depicts the
violent quartering death of Túpac Amaru II in Cuzco's main plaza.
The building itself has some noteworthy architectural embellishments: a massive stair-
way is guarded by sculptures of mythical creatures and a corner window column looks
like a statue of a bearded man from the inside, but outside appears to be a naked woman.
Spanish- and English-speaking guides are usually available for a small fee.
| Museum
MUSEO DE PLANTAS SAGRADAS,
MÁGICAS Y MEDICINALES
| Museum
