Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Cusco and suddenly finding an oasis of tranquility where time seems to stand still. San Francisco Square is that magical place every traveler seeks: a space where colonial history embraces Andean nature, creating a unique experience that goes beyond conventional tourism.
Unlike the constant hustle and bustle of the Main Square (Plaza de Armas), here you’ll find a more intimate and authentic atmosphere. The locals have turned this place into their favorite meeting point, where students share knowledge under the shade of century-old trees, street artists bring smiles with their music, and local families enjoy peaceful afternoons surrounded by living history.
Contents
History of San Francisco Square
Franciscan origins (16th century)
The history of this square began with the arrival of Franciscan friars in Cusco in 1549. These religious figures, known for their simplicity and closeness to the people, established their main convent here, transforming what was once an important Inca ceremonial center into the spiritual heart of the Franciscan order in the Andes.
The construction that marked an era (1572-1652)
The construction of the San Francisco Church spanned nearly a century, becoming one of the most ambitious architectural works of the colonial Cusco period. Master builders combined European techniques with the ancestral knowledge of local artisans, creating a structure that has withstood earthquakes and the passage of time.
Republican transformation (19th century)
During the republican era, the square took on its current character. In 1836, Marshal Andrés de Santa Cruz ordered the construction of the iconic Santa Clara Arch, turning the space into a symbol of the union between Peru and Bolivia. This arch not only beautifies the square but also marks the starting point of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan, the Inca royal road.
Why is it called San Francisco Square?
The name comes from the devotion to Saint Francis of Assisi, the Italian saint known for his love of nature and his simple life. The Franciscans chose this location not only for its strategic position but also because they believed the connection between spirituality and nature that characterized their founder would find its perfect expression here.
This choice proved prophetic: today, the Botanical Garden that adorns the square is a testament to that Franciscan vision, seeing in every plant and tree a manifestation of the sacred.
The green soul of the square
Andean botanical garden: A gem of 2016
The Botanical Garden of San Francisco Square represents one of the most successful conservation initiatives in modern Cusco. Inaugurated in 2016, this green space is not just decorative: it is a true living laboratory that preserves native Andean species that are at risk of extinction.
Here you can get up close with the molle tree, considered sacred by the Incas, and whose pink fruits are still used in traditional medicine. The q’euña, the tree that grows at the highest altitude in the world, also finds its home here, reminding us of the incredible adaptability of Andean life.
During the Corpus Christi festivities, the garden transforms into the stage for the famous culinary fair Chiri Uchu, where ancestral flavors come to life among the aromas of medicinal plants and high-altitude flowers.
Architectural treasures
Church and convent of San Francisco of Assisi
This jewel of Andean Baroque holds secrets that few know. Its facade, entirely carved from pink volcanic stone, changes color depending on the light of the day: golden at dawn, reddish at sunset.
Inside, the golden altars not only impress with their beauty but also with the “gold leaf” technique applied by artists of the Cusco School. Each painting tells stories where angels have indigenous faces and saints wear garments with Inca motifs.
The Franciscan catacombs offer a unique experience in South America. Unlike the famous catacombs of Lima, these preserve original colonial frescoes and showcase religious syncretism in its purest form.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Admission: S/. 15 adults, S/. 8 students
Santa Clara Arch: Portal to the past
This neoclassical monument from 1836 is much more than a decorative door. It marks the exact point where the Qhapaq Ñan began, the network of Inca roads that connected the entire Tahuantinsuyo. Today, passing under this arch feels like crossing a portal between colonial Cusco and ancestral Andean memory.
House of Clorinda Matto de Turner
The house of Peru’s first feminist and author of “Aves sin Nido” remains a testament to the progressive Cusco thought of the 19th century. Although it now serves as an EsSalud office, its facade retains the plaque declaring it a National Monument since 1972.
Clorinda Matto challenged the conventions of her time from this house, writing works that denounced indigenous exploitation and defended women’s rights, becoming a pioneering voice in indigenist literature.
Legendary educational institutions
National College of Sciences: Legacy of Bolívar
Founded by Simón Bolívar in 1825, this college has educated presidents, writers, and scientists who have shaped Peruvian history. Its neoclassical building facing the square is a testament to Bolívar’s vision of creating an educated and free Latin America.
School for Girls: Pioneer in female education
Established in the 18th century, it was one of the first institutions to offer formal education to women in the Viceroyalty of Peru. Its graduates broke social barriers, many becoming the first teachers, nurses, and social activists in the Andean south.
San Pedro Market: Authentic flavors
Just two blocks from the square, this traditional market offers the most authentic culinary experience in Cusco. Here you’ll find the best chiri uchu, the freshest chicha morada, and Amazonian fruits you won’t see in any supermarket.
How to get there and get around
From the Main Square
Walking: 8-10 minutes via Calle Mantas or Calle Marqués By taxi: S/. 5-8 (3 minutes) Public transport: Combis on Av. El Sol (S/. 1.50)
Important connections
The square is perfectly located to continue your tour to:
- Regocijo Square (5 minutes walking)
- San Pedro Market (3 minutes)
- House of Inca Garcilaso (7 minutes)
- San Blas neighborhood (15 minutes uphill)
Practical information
Best time to visit
- Mornings: Quieter atmosphere, ideal for photography
- Afternoons: More cultural and artistic activity
- Avoid: Sunday mornings (extended masses)
Estimated budget
- Church admission: S/. 15
- Local snacks: S/. 5-10
- Handcrafted souvenirs: S/. 20-50
- Total recommended: S/. 50-100
Safety tips
- Keep your valuables secure during cultural activities
- The square is very safe during the day
- At night, stick to well-lit streets
Why choose San Francisco Square?
In a world where mass tourism has transformed many destinations into artificial settings, San Francisco Square maintains its authenticity. Here you won’t find crowds taking the same photo; instead, you’ll discover the Cusco that locals live.
It’s the perfect place to understand that Cusco is not just Inca stones and colonial churches: it’s a living city where the past and present constantly converse. Where a modern botanical garden coexists with colonial catacombs, and where 21st-century students study in schools founded by liberators.
San Francisco Square invites you to be part of that conversation between eras, to breathe in the tranquility that you only find when you stop being a tourist and become, even if just for a few hours, a local.