Church of San Francisco, Salta
Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco
Salta's most photogenic landmark, with a deep red and gold facade and a tall bell tower, one of the tallest church bell towers in South America.
The Church and Convent of San Francisco sits on the east side of the old town. Its present buildings were completed in the 19th century. Its most striking features are the wine-red walls, gold decorative trim, and a bell tower about 53 meters tall, once considered the tallest in South America. Visitors can go inside the church, and the attached museum of religious art displays colonial-era religious paintings and sculptures. According to local tradition, the bell in the tower was cast from cannons used during the War of Independence. It is about a two-minute walk from the central plaza.
Opening hours
About 08:00–12:00, 17:00–21:00 (museum hours separate)
Nearby sights
- Plaza 9 de Julio
- Cabildo of Salta
- Salta Cathedral
- Museum of High Altitude Archaeology (MAAM)
- Convent of San Bernardo
- Monument to General Güemes
- Calle Balcarce Peñas
- Pajcha Museum of American Ethnic Art