Basilica of Saint Francis image

Basilica of Saint Francis

Tourist attraction Catholic church Church

Monumental 18th-century church featuring ornate carvings, panoramic rooftop views & guided tours. People often mention church, Francisco, city, Beautiful, lugar, beautiful, museum, hist, tour, history,


Address

Sagarnaga 173, La Paz, Bolivia

Contact

+591 73050360

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (3.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Saturday: 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Sunday: 6:30 AM to 1 PM, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
  • Monday: 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Thursday: 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (27) Francisco (23) city (17) Beautiful (14) lugar (14) beautiful (10) museum (9) hist (8) tour (8) history (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 CK C. 2 months ago on Google • 1070 reviews New
    Old Catholic church initiated by Francis of Assisi in La Paz, Bolivia.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathalie B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Superb church in the lively center of la paz. Original and unique city with lots of local people in traditional clothes (Original) Superbe église dans le centre ville animé de la paz. Ville originale et unique avec beaucoup de locaux en habit traditionnel
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 W Y. 4 years ago on Google • 305 reviews
    The entrance fee is 20 Bolivian currency and a guide is compulsory. Photography and films are not allowed in the internal part of the church and the museum. The guide cannot speak English properly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alejandra A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful historical place of La Paz (Original) Hermoso lugar histórico de la paz
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aldis S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) # LaBasilicaDeSanFrancisco of the city of La Paz. Bolivia, is a Catholic #templo # under the # dedication of # SanFranciscoDeAsís. It is located in the center of the city. It is part of the convent complex that gives its name to the adjacent Plaza Mayor de San Francisco It was built between the 16th and 18th centuries in the so-called #baroque #mestizo style. Among the most important milestones of its History we can mention the following: -The Franciscan convent is the oldest religious house registered in the city, appearing in 1547, before its foundation in 1 548, although most texts affirm that it was in 1548, the same year of foundation made by # DonAlonsoDeMendoza. -In 1549 the Convent of San Francisco was founded by #Fray #FranciscoFeMorales, who is said to have been one of the first twelve religious to arrive in the region and Fray #Alcocer under the name # NuestraSe SeñoraDeLosÁngeles Convent -Located outside the Spanish checkerboard in the city of La Paz. The land was delimited by what is today the Plaza de San Francisco, the #Choqueyapu River that divided the city inhabited by Spaniards from that inhabited by indigenous people in which the church was inscribed; and the current streets #lllampu, # Sagárnaga and #Graneros. -In August 1549 the construction of the first Church of San Francisco begins, which would be completed in 1581. -Between 1608 and 1612 the first church collapsed due to a snowstorm of considerable proportions. -Between 1743 and 1744 the construction of the church as it is known today. -In 1753 it is concluded with the closure and roofing of the dome of the cruise. -On April 23, 1784, it was consecrated by Bishop Campos. -In 1790, the carving of its facade concluded. -In 1885 the construction of its only tower begins. -In 1948 it was declared a minor Basilica. -Between 1950 and 1960 part of the convent was demolished as part of the Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz project and the atrium was reconfigured. -Between 1965 and 2005, the church and the convent are restored; part of the convent becomes the San Museo Cultural Center Francisco. -Construction The San Francisco temple was built between the 16th and 18th centuries in the Baroque style. It appears registered in 1 548, the same year of the founding of La Paz by Alonso de Mendoza The remains of the hero of the revolution Pedro Domingo Muríllols are buried in the church of San Francisco # Fotografia: #AldisSiu #Boliva # 7Art # 7ArtAldisSiu #AldisSiuMochileando #QueElArteFluya # Vademécum #ArteVademecum #ArteVisual #AldisBSiu #ArteVisualAldisSiu #PlanCultural (Original) #LaBasílicaDeSanFrancisco de la cíudad de La Paz. Bolivia, es un #templo #católico bajo la #advocación de #SanFranciscoDeAsís. Está situado en el centro de la cíudad. Forma parte del conjunto conventual que da el nombre a la adyacente Plaza Mayor de San Francisco Fue construida entre los siglos XVI y XVIII en el denominado estílo #barroco #mestizo. Entre los hitos más importantes de su Historía podemos mencionar los siguientes: -El convento franciscano es la casa religiosa más antigua registrada en la cíudad, apareciendo en 1547, antes de la fundación de la misma en 1 548, aunque la mayoría de los textos afirman que fue en 1548, el mísmo año de fundación hecha por #DonAlonsoDeMendoza . -En 1549 se funda el Convento de San Francisco por #Fray #FranciscoFeMorales, de quien se dice que fue uno de los doce primeros religiosos en llegar a la región y Fray #Alcocer bajo el nombre Convento de #NuestraSeñoraDeLosÁngeles -Ubicado fuera del damero español de la cíudad de La Paz. El terreno estaba delimitado por lo que hoy es la Plaza de San Francisco, el Río #Choqueyapu que dividía la cíudad habitada por españoles de la habitada por indígenas en la que la iglesia se ínscríbía; y las actuales calles #lllampu, #Sagárnaga y #Graneros. -En agosto de 1549 se inicia la construcción de la primera lglesia de San Francisco, que sería concluida en 1581 . -Entre 1608 y 1612 se desploma la primera lglesia por efecto de una nevada de proporciones considerables. -Entre 1743 y 1744 se inicia la construcción de la iglesia tal como se la conoce en la actualidad. -En 1753 se concluye con el cierre y el techado de la cúpula del crucero. -El 23 de abril de 1784, es consagrada por el Obispo Campos. -En 1790, concluye el tallado de su fachada. -En 1885 se inicia la construcción de su única torre. -En 1948 es declarada Basílica menor. -Entre 1950 y 1960 se demuele parte del convento como parte del proyecto de la Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz y se reconfigura el atrío. -Entre 1965 y 2005 se procede a la restauración de la lglesia y el Convento; parte del convento se convierte en el Centro Cultural Museo San Francisco. -Construcción El templo de San Francisco fue construído entre los siglos XVI y Xvll con el estilo barroco. Aparece registrado en 1 548, el mísmo año de la fundación de La Paz por Alonso de Mendoza En la iglesia de San Francisco se hallan enterrados los restos del prócer de la revolución Pedro Domingo Muríllols #Fotografía : #AldisSiu #Boliva #7Art #7ArtAldisSiu #AldisSiuMochileando #QueElArteFluya #Vademécum #ArteVademecum #ArteVisual #AldisBSiu #ArteVisualAldisSiu #PlanCultural
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martin K. 3 weeks ago on Google • 493 reviews New
    Von außen wie von innen eine wunderschöne Kirche. Leider darf man weder fotografieren noch filmen, was bei den Lichtverhältnissen im Inneren (sehr dunkel) ohnehin nur bedingt Sinn machen würde.

  • 4/5 Freddy G. 5 years ago on Google • 352 reviews
    Church of San Francisco de La Paz, is located on Av. Mcal Santa Cruz esq. Sagarnaga, mestizo baroque style, construction start 1774. The interior has a floor plan of three naves with a rectangular apse, covered with a central barrel vault, and side domes. The dome of the transept, with four windows, exhibits a delicate decoration that is especially enriched in the pendentives. The central portal, built around 1790, is divided into two bodies and three streets. And the crown a small finish also splendidly carved. A trilobed arch gives access to the inside of the enclosureIt. Is decorated by eight large Solomonic columns distributed equally in high and low art. The lower ones rest on monstrous heads, in the spandrels there are dolphin heads and in the upper part mermaids linked by the waist, the side covers have Indian faces, with the head touched with headband and feathers.

  • 4/5 Maarten D. 4 years ago on Google • 343 reviews
    A beautiful church in the centre of la paz. There is an entrance fee for the museum next door and you combine it with the church. We were not able to get to the ground floor of this Basilica. But you can have a view from the upper back of this building. If you are in la paz this is a nice thing to do. Takes around 1 hour and you get a guide.

  • 5/5 Joel T. 7 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Had a great tour here with Laysar. Her English was really good and helped us to learn more and appreciate the history of the Basilica. The prices are reasonable and considering you get a guide with the tickets it's great value.

  • 5/5 Sarry Z. 2 months ago on Google • 45 reviews New
    No ticket required to enter to the church. There are daily services, three or four times a day. No photos are allowed inside the church. Very unique for this 1500s built church

  • 5/5 vania m. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Mixed Baroque Architecture (Original) Arquitectura Barroca mestiza

  • 5/5 Stephany C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Iglesia de San Francisco, is in the heart of the city of La Paz and a few steps from the tourist area of ​​the city, Mercado de las Brujas and Artesanias. (Original) Iglesia de San Francisco, esta en pleno centro de la ciudad de La Paz y a pocos pasos del área turística de la ciudad, Mercado de las Brujas y Artesanias.

  • 4/5 Bora K. 4 years ago on Google
    Just in the center of the city, very crowded square. Beautiful architecture.

  • 5/5 Antonio J. Garcia C. 4 years ago on Google
    A journey through Bolivian catholic life.

  • 4/5 Karol G. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church in the main square - nearby most tour companies and cafes/restaurants.

  • 3/5 sonia quispe v. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very full of merchants and a lot of traffic (Original) Muy lleno de comerciantes y mucho trafico

  • 4/5 Daniela Vargas L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place, quite an influx of people (Original) Hermoso lugar, bastante afluencia de personas

  • 5/5 Sofia N. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful ? (Original) Bello ?

  • 5/5 Walter S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Historic center of Lapaz. (Original) Centro historico de Lapaz.

  • 5/5 Rocio C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice tour, a church full of history (Original) Lindo recorrido, una iglesia llena de historia

  • 5/5 Mary Luz C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very well maintained, despite the age of the church very well advised (Original) Muy bien cuidado , pese a la antiguedad de la iglesia muy bien consevado

  • 5/5 CRISTIAN MAURICIO ALTAMIRANO M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place (Original) Hermoso lugar

  • 5/5 Jaime Cesar Condori Q. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Historical place of great importance (Original) Lugar historico de gran importancia

  • 4/5 Emixam 1. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Basil no more exceptional than that in my eyes. On the other hand the place is very alive and would inevitably assist you with something while going there. (Original) Basilic pas plus exceptionnelle que ça a mes yeux. En revanche la place est très vivante et vous assisterait forcément à quelque chose en vous y rendant.

  • 5/5 Gary S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Mestizo church, very beautiful (Original) Iglesia mestiza, muy bonita

  • 5/5 Tawaqus M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A pity that such a beautiful basilica has been turned into a market place without respect for the health of the people. (Original) Una pena que tan bella basílica la hayan convertido en un lugar de mercado sin respeto por la salud de la gente.

  • 4/5 Vico B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very historical and spiritual (Original) Muy histórico y espritual

  • 5/5 Aitor I. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Well preserved (Original) Bien conservada

  • 5/5 Jhony C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Historical (Original) Historico

  • 5/5 Monica Liliana Muñoz M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Because it is a historical place, it dates back to colonial times. (Original) Porque es un lugar histórico, data del tiempo de la colonia.

  • 5/5 Thiago B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Franciscan church in the heart of the historic center of La Paz, it involves a complex of rooms and other spaces besides the temple. Architecture draws attention, it is a reference to the religious who attend it constantly. In its surroundings there are many street vendors present. (Original) Igreja franciscana no coração do centro histórico de La Paz, envolve um complexo de salas e outros espaços além do templo. Arquitetura chama a atenção, é uma referência aos religiosos que a frequentam constantemente. Nos seus arredores há muitos ambulantes presentes.

  • 4/5 Veronica Quispe C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice place (Original) Lindo lugar

  • 4/5 Rumer quispe s. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It expanded and with many people ... (Original) Amplió y con muchas personas...

  • 5/5 María Lourdes B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Architectural and cultural heritage of the city of La Paz. (Original) Patrimonio arquitectónico y cultural de la ciudad de La Paz.

  • 5/5 Vivian P. 4 years ago on Google • 41 reviews
    Well preserved church, there is a museum and you can visit the gardens of the monastery and the roof of the church. The visit worth.

  • 5/5 George B. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous. See also my 360 post on maps. It was close on Sunday though.

  • 5/5 Bella 6 years ago on Google
    This is beautiful from the outside, but go inside next door to the museum for sure! They offer a free tour around the monastery and it's fab to see all that history

  • 4/5 Jim S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful architecture with a museum and gift shop. A bit chaotic in the square with all the vendors but it is a La Paz experience not to miss

  • 4/5 Don J. 1 year ago on Google
    You actually are not supposed to take photos inside of this place so any photos on here of the inside actually goes against gods wishes and therefore you are going to hell for that so just keep that in mind when visiting that there are no photos inside thanks.

  • 4/5 Lilian Osei B. 1 year ago on Google
    You can trade anything there. The witches market is a few blocks behind the church.

  • 5/5 Lyubomir Z. 6 months ago on Google
    Be careful. Our tour guide from Bolivia Teresa phone was stolen in front of basilica.

  • 4/5 Daniel W. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The beautiful church Iglesia De San Francisco from 1549 is one of the most beautiful churches in La Paz. Outside are vendors who want to sell everything from dinosaur eggs and fossils to jewelry and old coins. (Original) Den vackra kyrkan Iglesia De San Francisco från 1549 är en av de vackraste kyrkorna i La Paz. Utanför står försäljare som vill sälja allt från dinosaurieägg och fossiler till smycken och gamla mynt.

  • 5/5 Henry Huito v. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful (Original) Bellísimo

  • 5/5 Luis Ángel F. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It seems insecure but no (Original) Parece inseguro pero no

  • 5/5 ines s. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place to appreciate the architecture of the city. (Original) Hermoso lugar para apreciar la arquitectura de la ciudad.

  • 5/5 Remigio P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Because it is ancient (Original) Por ser antigo

  • 5/5 David D. 4 years ago on Google
    ?

  • 4/5 Oscar V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is an emblematic place in the city of La Paz, it exhibits exquisite architecture but the cleanliness of the surroundings is not the best. (Original) Es un lugar emblemático de la ciudad de La Paz, exhibe una arquitectura muy exquisita pero la limpieza a los alrededores no es de las mejores.

  • 4/5 Yesenia Pomier L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Tourist, spectacular view and impressive exhibits (Original) Turístico, vista espectacular e impresionantes exhibiciones

  • 4/5 Gloria D. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beauty (Original) Belleza

  • 4/5 Enrique R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very old basilica, anchored in the historic center of the city of La Paz, very beautiful inside as well as outside, with a paid museum to see, on the outside surrounded on its front by an esplanade, a meeting place for locals and street entertainers, food court and tourist goods sales market, worth visiting. (Original) Basílica muy antigua, anclada en el centro histórico de la ciudad de la paz, muy bonita en su interior como su exterior, con un museo de pago para ver, en su exterior rodeada en su frente por una explanada, lugar de encuentro entre los lugareños y artistas callejeros, plaza de comidas y mercado de ventas de artículos para turistas, vale la pena visitar.

  • 4/5 Eliseo R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The main Basilica of the temple of San Francisco, is of a Baroque style, at its entrance you can see Solomon columns in granite and the entire portal and inside its altarpieces are also covered in gold leaf. It is currently administered by the Third Order of San Francisco. The temple has a museum. That you have to see it. (Original) La Basílica mayor del templo de San Francisco, es de un estilo Barroco, en su entrada se aprecian columnas salomonicas en granito y todo el portal y al interior sus retablos también, están revestidos de pan de oro. Actualmente es administrado por la tercera orden de San Francisco. El templo tiene un museo. Que hay que verlo.

  • 5/5 Ronald M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful holy place. Very spiritual feeling.

  • 4/5 Richard G. 4 years ago on Google
    Sadly doors were shut but impressive footprint towering over the market traders and streaming hoards

  • 5/5 toni c. 4 years ago on Google
    spiritually nice place to hang out. breathtaking and stunning views???

  • 5/5 Kate 5 years ago on Google
    An old Spanish church that was made into a museum. You can take a guided tour for 20 bolivianos. They were very accomadating when I told them I only speak English. Luis was my guide and he did a good job trying his best to explain everything to me. The garden and courtyard inside is beautiful. You could also get a nice view on the top.

  • 5/5 Philippe G. 4 years ago on Google
    Lot of history in this church. Beautiful church especially on the inside.

  • 4/5 Nick W. 5 years ago on Google
    Building itself is nicely made. Windows are some sort of see through stone. Has a huge and beautiful alter piece.

  • 4/5 Alan Peter C. 4 years ago on Google
    Well maintained and lots of history

  • 4/5 Marco C. 4 years ago on Google
    Guided tour strongly suggested, possible also in English, giving you a nice view of the city from the roof of the church, an introduction to the first years of the city and a nice building itself

  • 4/5 Alex El L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Living History (Original) Para vivir la historia

  • 5/5 Mark B. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent guided tour. Beautiful paintings lots of history fantastic architecture. Great views from the bell tower

  • 5/5 Esquilo Y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent architecture, meeting point of the city, is a historic site that is a must for tourists (Original) Excelente arquitectura, punto de reunión de la ciudad, es un sitio histórico que es parada obligada para el turista

  • 5/5 Carmen Yovana Aruquipa G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Church with many details in the decoration, structure that is old but still survives centuries, the interior presents several decorations too and you have the possibility to visit the museum (Original) Iglesia con muchos detalles en la decoración, estructura que es antigua pero aún sobrevive siglos, el interior presenta varios decorados también y se tiene la posibilidad de visitar el museo

  • 4/5 Micke De La T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice (Original) Bonito

  • 5/5 Oscar F. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful for its design and care. Located in one of the main points of La Paz, very close to the Witches Market. Nice walk even for non-Catholics (Original) Hermosa por su diseño y cuidado. Ubicada en uno de los principales puntos de La Paz, muy cercana al Mercado de las brujas. Bonito paseo aun para los no catolicos

  • 5/5 Edmundo Moya G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A super place (Original) Un lugar super

  • 4/5 Sabino Q. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A fantastic place (Original) Un lugar fantastico

  • 5/5 Jose Manuel V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In the center of La Paz, place of meetings, popular meetings. Excellent architecture. (Original) En pleno centro de La Paz, lugar de reuniones, encuentros populares. Excelente arquitectura.

  • 5/5 Yanina Gabriela F. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place of La Paz. The meeting point not only for prayer but also trade, and much training and fun for street shows. Steps from the Lanza Market (Original) Hermoso lugar de La Paz. El punto de encuentro no solo para la oración si no también el comercio, y mucho entrenamiento y diversión por los shows callejeros. A pasos del Mercado Lanza

  • 5/5 David C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful place of many events and religious history. (Original) Lugar maravilhoso de muitos acontecimentos e história religiosa.

  • 5/5 Almir do Carmo J. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) beautiful (Original) Bonito

  • 5/5 Milan Y. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very interesting and the guided tours are very good (Original) Muy interesante y los tours guiados son muy buenos

  • 5/5 Gaston V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Great meeting point (Original) Gran punto de encuentro

  • 4/5 DANIEL ROCA L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) This is a very old Catholic church that is located in the heart of the city of La Paz, which inside has admirable paintings and sculptures with vaulted ceilings. (Original) Esta es una iglesia catolica muy antigua que se encuentra en pleno centro de la ciudad de la Paz ,la cual en su interior tiene unas pinturas y esculturas admirables con unos techos abobedados .

  • 5/5 Delabarra M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very good more about the history .... (Original) Muito boa mais sobre a história....

  • 5/5 Beatriz G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) BEAUTIFUL PLACE (Original) BELLISIMO LUGAR

  • 3/5 ROSARIO SANDRA MAMANI R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) An interesting tourist place ?? (Original) Un lugar turístico interesante ??


Call +591 73050360 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Plaza Mayor de San Francisco image
1
Plaza Mayor de San Francisco
Historical landmark
Vast public square dominated by a colonial-era cathedral & convent, with street art & regular fairs.
4.20 (11.6K reviews)
Mercado Camacho image
2
Mercado Camacho
Market
Covered market & food court with produce vendors & stalls selling prepared international meals.
3.90 (10.6K reviews)
Niki´s Fast Food & Juices image
3
Niki´s Fast Food & Juices
Restaurant
Rectangular plaza featuring a bronze sculpture honoring Bolivian war hero Eduardo Abaroa.
4.20 (10.5K reviews)
The Witches Market image
4
The Witches Market
Tourist attraction
"Witches' market" known for vendors selling dried llama fetuses & other folk remedies & potions.
4.10 (8.4K reviews)
Parque Urbano Central image
5
Parque Urbano Central
City park
Multi-use urban park featuring biking & hiking paths, sports fields & elevated views of the city.
4.00 (7.6K reviews)
Last updated:
()