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Cusco - Church of La Compania de Jesus

Construction of this Jesuit chuch began in 1571 and it was planned to be the most magnificent of the churches in Cusco. Arguments arose that it should not outshine the Cathedral and an appeal was sent to Rome. By the time an answer was received the church was almost finished and the ornate facade was allowed to remain. It was also built over Inca remains.

The church was almost destroyed by an earthquake in 1650 and finally completed in 1668. Its style is Andean Baroque. The inside is rather dark as the windows are made of alabaster rather than glass. The golden altar is quite spectacular and there is an amazing whispering effect in the crypt.

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Uploaded on May 22, 2013
Taken on May 22, 2013