Ayacucho Cathedral
Catedral Basílica de Santa María de Huamanga
A Baroque cathedral completed between 1632 and 1672, with gold-leaf altars inside. It is the central church for Holy Week ceremonies.
The cathedral stands on the east side of the Plaza Mayor de Huamanga and was completed in the 17th century. Its façade is simple and solemn, with two bell towers built of volcanic stone, yet the interior is extremely ornate. The main altar and more than ten side altars are covered in gold leaf and finely carved, and the cathedral also has silverware and colonial religious paintings. It houses a museum of religious art. Entry is free. Opening hours are mainly tied to Mass times, usually open in the morning and evening and closed at midday. During Holy Week a grand Mass is held here, and night processions set out from the cathedral and draw huge crowds, so book accommodation in advance.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–12:00 and 17:00–20:00 (subject to Mass times)
Nearby sights
- Casona Boza y Solís
- Church of the Company of Jesus, Ayacucho
- Church of Santo Domingo, Ayacucho
- Plaza de Armas de Ayacucho
- Arco del Triunfo & San Francisco de Asís
- Mercado Andrés F. Vivanco
- Santa Teresa Church & Monastery
- Museo de la Memoria (ANFASEP)