Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Upstairs the focus is on history, geology and anthropology, with displays of old house-
hold implements, weapons, ceramics and various prehistoric hunting tools, including a
formidable cudgel known as a
rompecabezas
(head-breaker). Look for the desiccated
mummified corpse of a man from the Pampagrande area, which shrunk via natural pro-
cesses to measure just 35cm long.
Iglesia de San Roque
Architecturally, Tarija's most unusual church and major landmark is the bright, white
1887 Iglesia de San Roque. Dedicated to the city's patron saint, the church sits on the hill
at the end of Trigo, lording it over the town. Its balcony once served as a lookout post.
CHURCH
CHURCH
Basílica de San Francisco
(cnr Campos & La Madrid; museum 8am-6pm Mon-Fri)
The Basílica de San Fran-
cisco was founded in 1606 and is now a national monument. The 16th-century convent
library and archives, which may conjure up images reminiscent of
The Name of the Rose,
can be used only by researchers who have been granted permission by the Franciscan or-
der. Inside the basilica, the free
Museo Franciscano Frey Francisco Miguel Mari
dis-
plays ecumenical paintings, sculptures and artifacts.
CHURCH
Iglesia de San Juan
(Bolívar)
The Iglesia de San Juan was constructed in 1632 and it was here that the Span-
ish signed their surrender to the liberation army after the Batalla de la Tablada. The garden
serves as a
mirador
(lookout) over Tarija and its dramatic backdrop of brown mountains.
Mirador Loma de San Juan
This park area above the tree-covered slopes of the Loma de San Juan provides a grand
city view and makes it a favorite with smooching students. Climb uphill to the end of
Calle Bolívar, then turn right behind the hill and follow the footpath up the slope that
faces away from the city.
LOOKOUT
NOTABLE BUILDING
Castillo de Moisés Navajas
