BASÍLICA MENOR DE SAN LORENZO

The Catedral Metropolitana Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo de Santa Cruz, its full name, dominates the main square of the city. Until recently, in the branches of the tamarinds, a dozen lazy people were the main attraction of the place. In 2005, these slothfuls went back to the zoo because they were beginning to hinder the growing traffic in the city.

Originally a modest chapel built in the 16th century, it was replaced by a church in 1770. Then, at the time of Marshal Andrés de Santa Cruz in 1838, the church was replaced by the present cathedral, designed by the French architect Philippe Bestrés. Its facade was restored in the middle of the 20th century. This magnificent cathedral with its eclectic style is built with bricks from the region, whose colour is astonishing. The silver altar of the church of the Jesuit mission of San Pedro de Moxos is preserved here and four carved reliefs from the same mission can also be admired. The cathedral also stands out for its painted wooden vaults.

The modest museum gives a good overview of the religious art of this part of Bolivia. Superb silver chasubles, carved pieces from the Jesuit Missions. Period paintings and sculptures. For a few more bolivianos, don't hesitate to climb the few steps that will lead you to the viewpoint! From there, a magnificent panorama will be proposed to you. On the third and last floor, you can admire the clockwork.