San Francisco Church (La Paz)

Updated on Dec 26, 2023

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Location La Paz, Bolivia Denomination Catholic Church Architectural type Andean Baroque Phone +591 69863749 Groundbreaking 1743		Country Bolivia Founded 1549 Opened 1758 Dedication Francis of Assisi

Website www.museosanfranciscobolivia.com Address Sagarnaga, La Paz Zona 9, Bolivia Similar Mirador Killi Killi, Plaza Murillo, Valle de la Luna, Huayna Potosí, Tiwanaku

The Basilica of San Francisco in the city of La Paz, Bolivia, is a Catholic church under the advocation of Francis of Assisi. It is located in the center of the city, in the square that bears its name, "Plaza San Francisco".

History

It was built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries in the so-called baroque mestizo style. Milestones in its history include:

In 1548, the Convent of San Francisco was founded along the river Choqueyapu by Fray Francisco de Morales.

In August 1549 the construction of the first Church of San Francisco began, which was concluded in 1581.

Between 1608 and 1612 the first church collapsed as a result of a snowfall of considerable proportions.

Between 1743 and 1744 the construction of the present church began.

In 1753, the closure and the roof of the church's dome were completed.

On April 23, 1758, it was consecrated.

In 1790, the carved façade is finished.

In 1885, the construction of its single tower began.

In 1948, it was declared a minor basilica.

Between 1950 and 1960, the convent was demolished and the atrium reconfigured.

Between 1965 and 2005, the church and convent were restored, and part of the convent was enabled as a museum.

References

San Francisco Church (La Paz) Wikipedia

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