Tihuanaco

The mestizo character of the local culture is clearly visible in the main church of the beautiful town of Tiahuanaco and its predominantly Aymara culture. Residents have always been dedicated to agriculture and livestock breeding, although in recent decades there have been important developments towards tourism due to the proximity of the famous archaeological site.

The main attraction in the centre of the town is the church of San Pedro Tiahuanaco. Started in 1580 it was completed in 1612 and declared a national monument in 1945.

Strolling through the city you will easily come across sellers of small hand-crafted objects and souvenirs representing replicas of the best-known monuments of the archaeological site of Tihauanaco, such as the Gate of the Sun.

Church of San Pedro Tiahuanaco

San Pedro Tiahuanaco is one of the most important churches in the region for its unique blend of typically Spanish architectural elements with native American decorative details. An example of this trend is clearly visible in the gargoyles of the belltower, the sacristy and the apse, where the Gothic style blends with references to the local fauna, such as pumas, Andean cats and monkeys, of pre-Hispanic inspiration.

The church is entered through a porch, the door of which is flanked by two pre-Columbian stone sculptures known as temple guardians, which come from Pokotia, a site near the city. The main portal is in the Renaissance style with two Ionic columns surmounted by sculptures representing St. Peter and St. Paul. The interior has a single nave and a wooden ceiling, although some parts, such as the transept and the sacristy, are topped by domes.

The interior has a good number of paintings depicting religious themes. The most notable are those on the high altar with scenes of the passion of Christ and stories from the life of Mary. These canvases are set in a beautiful 17th century gilded wooden altarpiece carved by native craftsmen. The rather crude square belltower is attached to the façade of the church and surmounted by a belfry housing the bells.

Community of Tiahuanaco

Tihuanaco

Experience Community of Tiahuanaco

Culture in Tihaunaco

Experiencias en Tihuanaco

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