Fodor's Expert Review Templo Santa Clara

Cusco Religious Building/Site/Shrine

Austere from the outside, this incredible 1588 church takes the prize for most eccentric interior decoration. Thousands of mirrors cover the interior, competing with the gold-laminated altar for glittery prominence. Legend has it that the mirrors were placed inside in order to tempt locals into church. Built in old Inca style, using stone looted from Inca ruins, this is a great example of the lengths that the Spanish went to in order to attract indigenous converts to the Catholic faith.

Religious Building/Site/Shrine

Quick Facts

Santa Clara s/n
Cusco, Cusco  Peru

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