San Francisco Church, Guatemala City

San Francisco Church, or Iglesia San Francisco, is a catholic church completed in 1829. The church is sometimes referred to as the Temple of San Francisco, or Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

The church blends Neoclassical and Baroque architectural styles. It was designed to resemble the Church of San Francisco El Grande in Antigua Guatemala. The architect was Don Santiago Marqui.

Though the exterior is undoubtedly stunning, the primary feature of the church is the inside. The main wooden altar is nearly 300 feet high and 40 feet wide. The church is also known for its intricate wood carvings of Crucified Jesus and The Passion.

Some furnishings donated by King Carlos V of Spain include a sculpture of the Immaculate Conception, which rests upon the altar.

San Francisco Church fell into ruins after the earthquake of 1917. It was rebuilt in the 1920s before being damaged again in the earthquake of 1976. Engineer Oscar Martinez Diguero led reconstruction efforts. However, parts of the church still show signs of damage.

There is no admission fee to visit this church. It is open daily for tours from 6 AM to 5 PM. Visitors are also welcome to attend mass held daily. The church is managed by the Franciscans, but it belongs to the Archdiocese of Santiago de Guatemala.