Because most Spanish-speaking countries are predominantly Catholic, it makes sense that you will find plenty of opportunities to tour cathedrals in between your Spanish classes in Peru. If you find yourself attending Spanish school in Cusco, you are in luck because the Cusco Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, is a very fine example of a colonial cathedral. By visiting this local landmark, you will learn a great deal about Peru’s history, art, and culture.
Thanks to its prominence on one of Cusco’s main roads, the Avenida de Sol, the cathedral is hard to miss. What is interesting to note is that the cathedral was not the first religious structure to be built here. About 100 years before Peru was colonized by Spain, an Incan temple called Kiswarkancha was built here for the kingdom’s ruler, Virachocha. After the conquistadors arrived in 1559, they replaced the ancient temple with a cathedral.
The cathedral was designed in the Gothic-Renaissance style by a conquistador named Juan Miguel de Veremendi. It took almost 100 years to complete and was finally finished in 1654.
In building their cathedral, the Spaniards intended to get rid of Peru’s indigenous religions so that Christianity could to take over. However, they were not entirely successful in eradicating all traces of local culture and religion. While the Cusco Cathedral is shaped like a Latin cross, some Incan symbolism remained. The door to the church is decorated with the head of a jaguar, a sacred animal commonly used in ancient religious symbolism.
In 1983, the Cusco Cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides being a religious center, the cathedral is home to a significant collection of colonial art. Among the works are stunning pieces from the Cusco School of Art, which was created by the Spanish to teach the Incans about art.
Many fascinating relics are also on display at the cathedral, including a wooden crucifix called the Black Christ. This relic is black from exposure to smoke and dust over the years. You will also want to note the Maria Angola Bell, which is a huge bell on the Cathedral’s right tower. Although this bell is cracked, it is still rung every so often. Other notable works in the cathedral’s collection include the Christ’s 12 Parables and the Vincente de Valverde.
When you attend Spanish school in Cusco, be sure to visit this amazing 16th century building. Not only will you be impressed by the art and architecture, but also you will learn a bit of history. Visiting this Cathedral will be one of the most memorable experiences that you take away from your time attending Spanish classes in Peru.