On one side of the Plaza de Armas of Cusco stands the imposing church of the Society of Jesus, one of the Christian temples built during the colonial era. Like many colonial monuments, this temple was built over the ancient Amarucancha (palace of the Inca Huayna Capac). Today the church is part of the ‘Andean Baroque Circuit’, a tour of Cusco’s Baroque temples that also includes the Church of San Pedro Apostle of Andahuaylillas, the temple of San Juan Bautista de Huaro and the chapel of the Purified Virgin of Canincunca.

The church is mainly made of andesites and has the most beautiful and elaborate facade among the churches of the city; over its entrance door there is a Virgin of the Immaculate Conception carved in berenguela (marble-like material); It has two exterior chapels attached to the main structure, to the north is the chapel of the Virgin of Loreto (since 1894 is known as the Chapel of the Virgin of Lourdes) which today still serves to worship and where almost always worship the Lord of Burgos that was transferred from the demolished church of San Agustin, and to the south the chapel of San Ignacio de Loyola which was awarded to the Society of Artisans of Cusco. The interior of the Compania de Jesus has a single nave with an imposing main altar carved in hybrid style in cedar and completely gilded with gold leaf by Cristobal Clemente around 1670, measuring 21 meters high and 12 meters wide. In the central portion of the altar is the image in bulk of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, above a canvas representing the Transfiguration of the Lord and above a character of the unidentified order.

Where is it?

The church of the Company of Jesus is located in the Plaza de Armas in the city of Cusco.

How much does the visit cost?

The entrance fee to the church of the Society of Jesus is 16 Peruvian soles for adults (approximately 5 U.S. dollars). The visit during mass hours (from 7 am to 8 am) is free.

The ‘Andean Baroque Circuit’ tour offers visits to the church of the Society of Jesus, the Church of San Pedro Apostle (town of Andahuaylillas), the temple of San Juan Bautista (town of Huaro) and the chapel of the Purified Virgin (town of Canincunca). Includes full transportation and tour guide service. The price of the tour is 60 Peruvian soles (approximately US$20).

What are the opening hours?

The church is open for tours every day, except Sunday and Thursday, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

How to go?

To visit the church of the Company of Jesus of Cusco you should walk to the Plaza de Armas. Another option is to take a cab. Two enormous churches stand out in the square: the largest is the Cathedral of Cuzco. The other, the church of the Society of Jesus.