Iglesia de San Francisco

Top choice in Popayán


Dating back to the late 18th century, Popayán's largest colonial church is also its most beautiful. Inside are a fine high altar and a collection of seven unique side altars. The 1983 earthquake cracked open the ossuary, revealing six unidentified mummies. Two are left; ask in the office to the right of the entrance to have a look at them.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Popayán attractions

1. Casa Museo Negret & MIAMP

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This 18th-century house is the home of world-renowned Colombian artist Edgar Negret, whose vast abstract iron sculptures dot plazas around the country…

2. Catedral

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The youngest church in Popayán's center, this neoclassical cathedral was built between 1859 and 1906 on the site of a previous cathedral, which had been…

3. Museo Guillermo Valencia

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This late 18th-century building is full of period furniture, paintings, old photos and documents that once belonged to the Popayán-born poet who lived…

4. Puente del Humilladero

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Popayán's emblematic landmark, this 240m-long, 11-arch brick bridge was constructed in the mid-19th century to improve access to the center from the poor…

5. Casa Museo Mosquera

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This interesting museum is housed in an 18th-century mansion that was once home to General Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera, who was Colombia's president on…

6. Museo Arquidiocesano de Arte Religioso

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You don't have to be an expert on religious art to be impressed by this collection of paintings, statues, altar pieces, silverware and liturgical vessels,…

7. Universidad del Cauca

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The central seat of this public university is in a magnificent old colonial mansion that non-students may only admire from the outside.

8. Iglesia La Ermita

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Constructed in 1546, Popayán's oldest church is well worth seeing for its fine main retable and the fragments of old frescoes, which were only discovered…