Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía de Jesús, Cusco)

The Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús stands on the main square of Cusco, occupying the historic Amarucancha site that once belonged to an Inca palace. Sited directly on the Plaza de Armas (Cusco), the church was positioned for high visibility in the colonial city and to reuse impressive Inca foundations and masonry.

Jesuit activity in Cusco began in the 16th century and construction of the first church started in the late 1500s; after severe damage in the 1650 earthquake the building was rebuilt and the present structure dates from the mid 17th century. The stone church, built of pink basalt and andesite, is a leading example of Spanish Baroque in the southern Andes, with a single nave, side chapels and an ornate façade. Visiting reveals heavy colonial stonework, carved altarpieces and murals typical of Cusco’s baroque churches.

• Baroque façade: The pink stone façade is a fine example of Andean Baroque, with carved columns, niches and bell towers that dominate the Plaza de Armas front.
• Main altarpiece and colonial art: Inside are richly carved altarpieces and colonial paintings that reflect Cusco’s 17th-century ecclesiastical art traditions.
• Inca foundations and masonry: Parts of the building rest on earlier Inca stonework from Amarucancha, visible in reused blocks and the church’s setting.
• Side chapels: Small chapels along the nave house additional altarpieces and devotional art, each with its own ornamentation.
• Plaza de Armas views: The church faces the lively Plaza de Armas, offering easy viewpoints of both the square and neighboring colonial landmarks.

The church is in the historic center of Cusco, within easy walking distance of most hotels around the Plaza de Armas. Cusco is served by Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for regional and domestic flights and by long-distance buses that arrive at the city’s main terminals.

From elsewhere in the city the church is a short walk to the Plaza de Armas or a quick taxi ride; the historic center is compact so the last stretch is normally on foot. Check local signs for access routes, as pedestrian zones and one-way streets can change.

• Check opening days and whether an entry fee or the municipal tourist ticket is required before you go.
• Allow time to acclimatize to Cusco’s altitude before extensive walking or climbing.
• Dress respectfully for a working church and be discreet when taking photos inside; ask about photography rules.
• Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds around the Plaza de Armas and to see fresher light on the façade.
• Cobblestones can be uneven and slippery when wet, so wear sturdy shoes.