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Church · Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz
Catedral Basílica de San Lorenzo
Brick cathedral on Plaza 24 de Septiembre, built between 1845 and 1915, with a painted wooden ceiling, a silver altar from the Jesuit missions, Museo de Arte Sacra and the tower that serves as a viewpoint.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral Basílica de San Lorenzo
The Catedral Basílica de San Lorenzo occupies one side of Plaza 24 de Septiembre. The current church was built between 1845 and 1915, on the site of older temples, to a design by the French architect Philippe Bertrés. It is made of exposed brick, with two towers, and stands out among the low buildings of the center.
The interior has three naves and a vaulted wooden ceiling, painted with floral motifs. In the main altar and in pieces of the temple there are silver works coming from the Jesuit missions of Chiquitos and Moxos, such as altar frontals. The cathedral also preserves colonial images.
The Museo de Arte Sacra, adjoining the cathedral, gathers silver objects, vestments, images and paintings, some from the era of the missions, and a set of miniature pieces.
One of the towers is open to visitors as a viewpoint, from where you can see the square, the roofs of the center and the city's ring avenues. The cathedral remains active, with daily masses; check the museum and tower hours before going.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1h30, with the museum and the tower.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, during the museum and viewpoint hours, when it's cooler. Check opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It's on Plaza 24 de Septiembre in downtown Santa Cruz. The entrance to the viewpoint is through a side door of the cathedral.
Tip
Go up the tower in the late afternoon to see the center in the low light. Notice the painted wooden ceiling right when you enter.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral Basílica de San Lorenzo
Can you go up the Cathedral tower?
Yes, one of the towers serves as a viewpoint, with views over the plaza and the city center. Check opening hours before you go.
When does the Cathedral date from?
The current church was built between 1845 and 1915, in exposed brick, on the site of older temples.
What is in the Museo de Arte Sacra?
Silver objects, images, paintings and vestments, some coming from the Jesuit missions.