Santa Clara Convent, Cusco

The Convent and Church of Santa Clara in Cusco is a religious and tourist landmark just 600 meters from the city's Main Square. Founded initially as a beguinage in 1549, the institution served to house mestizo girls, descendants of the Incas. Its first location was in the Inca neighborhood of Chaquilchaca, later moving in 1558 to Casa Cabrera, and finally established at its current location on Santa Clara Street.

Constructed in 1602 and reshaped after the 1650 earthquake, the architecture of Santa Clara showcases the Andean Baroque style. The building is noted for its resilience, particularly its stone and adobe structure, which helped it withstand subsequent earthquakes in 1650 and 1950 with only minor damages to the bell tower.

The convent, now managed by the Poor Clare nuns, remains an active religious site and houses an impressive collection of colonial relics, including Cusco school canvases, altarpieces, and liturgical objects made of gold and silver. The interior is renowned for its main altar, lavishly adorned with mirrors, earning it the nickname ‘the resplendent church of Cusco’. Its single nave, rectangular layout, and high bell tower exemplify its architectural significance. Despite its more restrained external ornamentation compared to other local colonial churches, its strong walls and solid bell tower are notable.

Today, Santa Clara continues to receive visitors and retains its historical role in educating girls. It also serves daily masses, attracting both locals and tourists. The location of the convent on an ancient royal Inca trail adds to its historical allure, making it a central piece in understanding both the colonial and pre-Columbian past of Cusco.