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Convent · Sucre, Chuquisaca
La Recoleta Convent
Franciscan convent founded in 1601 high above the city, with cloisters, a choir of carved choir stalls and a museum, next to the arched viewpoint overlooking Sucre’s white roofs.
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 La Recoleta Convent
The Convento de La Recoleta sits atop the neighborhood of the same name, about 1 km from Plaza 25 de Mayo, at the foot of cerro Churuquella. It was founded in 1601 by the Franciscans and remains an active convent. The square in front, Plaza Pedro de Anzúrez, has the white arcades of the viewpoint, from which you can see the whole city—the ceramic roofs, church towers and surrounding hills.
The convent visit is guided and goes through the cloisters, with gardens and colonial paintings, and the museum, with religious art, Franciscan objects and a painting collection. The best-known spot is the church choir, with cedar choir stalls carved in the 17th century, showing figures of martyrs. In the garden there is a very old cedar that the friars say is over a thousand years old.
Around the square there are cafés with terraces and views, and cobbled streets that descend to the center. The route from the center to La Recoleta climbs via Dalence and Polanco streets, passing mansions and the church of Santa Teresa.
Late afternoon is the preferred time for locals and visitors to watch the sun set over Sucre. The convent has specific visiting hours: confirm before you go.
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
About 1 to 1.5 hours for the convent, the museum and the viewpoint.
Best time
Late afternoon is best to watch the sunset from the mirador’s arcades; afternoons are for the guided convent visit. Confirm opening times before you go.
How to get there
It’s about 1 km from Plaza 25 de Mayo, a 15–20 minute uphill walk via Dalence and Polanco streets, or 5 minutes by taxi.
Tip
Walk up through the center and take a taxi down after sunset. Have a coffee on one of the terraces around the square while you wait for the late-afternoon light.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about La Recoleta Convent
What can you see from the La Recoleta viewpoint?
The whole city of Sucre, with its roofs, church towers and surrounding hills, seen through the white arcades of the plaza.
Is the convent open to visitors?
Yes, with guided visits to the cloisters, the museum and the choir at set times. Confirm before you go.
Is the climb up to La Recoleta tiring?
It's a 15 to 20 minute climb, at about 2,800 meters altitude. Go slowly or take a taxi up.