Iglesia y Museo de San Lorenzo de Carangas

Potosí


The ornate mestizo baroque portal of this church, probably one of the most photographed in Bolivia, is an explicit expression of the mezcla (mixture) between Aymará and Spanish Catholic beliefs. Check out the bas-reliefs of a guitar-playing indigenous mermaid and a sword-carrying Archangel San Miguel. It was carved in stone by master indigenous artisans in the 16th century, but the main structure wasn’t completed until the bell towers were added in 1744.

Inside are two Melchor Pérez de Holguín paintings and handcrafted silverwork on the altar.

The church was renovated in 1987.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Potosí attractions

1. Portón Mestizo

0.12 MILES

On Calle Junín, between Matos and Bolívar, this especially lovely and elaborate doorway, flanked by twisted columns, once graced the home of the Marqués…

2. Pasaje de Siete Vueltas

0.13 MILES

This passageway, an extension of Calle Ingavi, east of Junín, wends around a series of angular turns, displaying some interesting architectural quirks…

3. Casa Nacional de la Moneda

0.14 MILES

The National Mint is Potosí’s star attraction and one of South America’s finest museums. Potosí’s first mint was constructed on the present site of the…

4. Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

0.14 MILES

The ornate and beautiful bell tower, on what remains of the former Jesuit church, was completed in 1707 after the collapse of the original church. Both…

5. Bell Tower

0.16 MILES

Visit the bell tower of Potosí's central cathedral for nice views of the city. The side entrance is hard to spot.

6. Calle Quijarro

0.16 MILES

North of the Iglesia de San Agustín, Calle Quijarro narrows as it winds between a wealth of colonial buildings, many with doorways graced by old family…

7. La Catedral

0.16 MILES

Construction of La Catedral was initiated in 1564 and finally completed around 1600. The original building lasted until the early 19th century, when it…

8. El Cabildo

0.18 MILES

City Hall is housed in an elaborately designed colonial-era building with an ornately carved portal occupying the western side of Plaza 10 de Noviembre.