San Francisco Church (La Paz)

Basilica of San Francisco
16°29′47″S 68°08′14″W / 16.4965°S 68.1373°W / -16.4965; -68.1373Coordinates: 16°29′47″S 68°08′14″W / 16.4965°S 68.1373°W / -16.4965; -68.1373
Location La Paz, Bolivia
Country Bolivia
Denomination Catholic Church
Website www.museosanfranciscobolivia.com
History
Founded 1549
Dedication Francis of Assisi
Architecture
Architectural type Andean Baroque
Groundbreaking 1743
Completed 1758
Administration
Division Archdiocese of La Paz

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.

Sources

See also

Museo San Francisco Cultural Center

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