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Church · Puno, Puno
Catedral de Puno
The Baroque stone cathedral on Puno's Plaza de Armas, completed in 1757, with a carved facade in the mestizo style, mermaids and Andean motifs, and a sober interior.
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 de Puno
The Catedral de Puno, dedicated to São Carlos Borromeu, occupies the western side of the Plaza de Armas. It was completed in 1757, and the stone façade is the work of master Simón de Asto, who signed it. It is an example of the mestizo Baroque of the Altiplano, with twisted columns, carved leaves, fruits and flowers, and two mermaids playing Andean instruments, a motif found in churches in the Titicaca region.
The interior is more restrained than the façade, with a single nave, gilded wooden altars and a main altar of silver. There is an image of the Virgem da Candelária, patron saint of Puno, venerated mainly during the February festival.
The Plaza de Armas in front has gardens, benches and, on one side, the Casa del Corregidor, a 17th-century mansion that today houses a cultural center. From the square runs the pedestrian street Jirón Lima, with shops and restaurants, up to Parque Pino. A few blocks away, the stone Arco Deustua commemorates the battles of independence.
The cathedral remains active, with daily Masses. Visits are allowed outside worship times: check 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 30 minutes for the cathedral; including the square and Jirón Lima, 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, when the light falls on the façade, or late afternoon, when the square and Jirón Lima are busier. In February, during the Festa da Candelária, the square fills up.
How to get there
It is on the Plaza de Armas, in central Puno, a 15-minute walk from the port and a few minutes from the train station.
Tip
Notice the two carved mermaids on the façade, playing charango. Then follow Jirón Lima to Parque Pino and climb Cerrito de Huajsapata for views of the bay.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Puno
Who made the façade of the Catedral de Puno?
Master Simón de Asto, who completed the work in 1757 and signed the façade.
What are the mermaids on the façade?
They are figures of mermaids playing Andean instruments, a common motif in the Baroque churches of the Titicaca region, combining European tradition and the lake.
Does the cathedral have a connection to the Festa da Candelária?
Yes. The Virgem da Candelária, patron saint of Puno, is venerated there, although the center of the festival is the sanctuary of San Juan, near Parque Pino.