San Blas Square and District, Cusco (must see)
Uphill and northeast from the Main Square, you'll find the San Blas District of town. The area is known as the artist's quarter, and it has been described as the most picturesque area of town. It's quieter here, too. You'll find great cafes and beautiful views of the rest of Cusco below.
The road up to San Blas Square is called the San Blas Slope. There are numerous art galleries and workshops along the way. Walking here is a pleasure for the senses.
San Blas Square is located in the heart of the area. It's bounded by Carmen Bajo and Calle Tandepata and is dominated by a large fountain. The cobbled streets in the area are steep, built narrow with Inca stone steps.
The Inca called this part of town Salt Cave. Even since those times, this charming barrio has been popular with artisans. It is believed that the area was also popular with the Inca elite.
The district's name changed with the Spaniards, who named it in honor of the third-century bishop who dedicated his time to healing people and animals.
There are two attractions on the square that you won't want to miss. The first is the San Blas Church. The second is the Hilario Mendivil and Family Gallery. Mendivil is a well-known artist from the area known for his religious imagery.
The road up to San Blas Square is called the San Blas Slope. There are numerous art galleries and workshops along the way. Walking here is a pleasure for the senses.
San Blas Square is located in the heart of the area. It's bounded by Carmen Bajo and Calle Tandepata and is dominated by a large fountain. The cobbled streets in the area are steep, built narrow with Inca stone steps.
The Inca called this part of town Salt Cave. Even since those times, this charming barrio has been popular with artisans. It is believed that the area was also popular with the Inca elite.
The district's name changed with the Spaniards, who named it in honor of the third-century bishop who dedicated his time to healing people and animals.
There are two attractions on the square that you won't want to miss. The first is the San Blas Church. The second is the Hilario Mendivil and Family Gallery. Mendivil is a well-known artist from the area known for his religious imagery.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cusco. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
San Blas Square and District on Map
Sight Name: San Blas Square and District
Sight Location: Cusco, Peru (See walking tours in Cusco)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cusco, Peru (See walking tours in Cusco)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cusco, Peru
Create Your Own Walk in Cusco
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cusco is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cusco Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled high in the Andes mountains, Cusco is a city bursting with stories to tell. Peru's historic capital city was also the Inca Empire's center until the Spanish conquistadors arrived.
Before the Inca settled in the area, the Killke people were here from the years 900 to 1200. Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex outside of town, was built as a fortress by the Killke.
The Inca later... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Before the Inca settled in the area, the Killke people were here from the years 900 to 1200. Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex outside of town, was built as a fortress by the Killke.
The Inca later... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Cusco's Historical Churches
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the oldest cities in the world. In the 16th century, Spanish missionaries introduced the area to Catholicism. The result of that has been a plethora of historical churches built in the city since.
Among the marvels of local ecclesiastical architecture, the Cusco Cathedral reigns supreme. Constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Among the marvels of local ecclesiastical architecture, the Cusco Cathedral reigns supreme. Constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles