Andean Baroque Route
 |
|
 San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, Smarthistory
|
The Andean Baroque Route is a scenic route of Peru mainly dedicated to 4 churches belonging to the Andean Baroque artistic movement, including the Society of Jesus Church of Cusco and the Saint Peter the Apostle Church of Andahuaylillas.
There are two possible versions of this route: one short and one long. The short route passes through Cusco, Andahuaylillas, Huaro and Urcos towards lake Titicaca and Bolivia. The long route includes these same stages but continues towards Puerto Maldonado after reaching Urcos. It passes through Ccatcca, Ocongate and Marcapata.
The construction of the church began in 1576 at the initiative of the jesuits on the top of the Amarucancha, the Palace of the Inca Huayna Capac. The church is considered to be one of the most beautiful representations of the colonial baroque art in America. Its spectacular façade, the highest of the Cusquenian churches, is entirely made of stones. Inside, one can see an altar covered with gold leaves built over an underground chapel. The church has a significant collection of sculptures and paintings such as “the wedding of Ignatius of Loyola’s nephew”.
Saint Peter the Apostle Church of Andahuaylillas is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the Andes because of the magnificent frescos adorning its walls. Andahuaylillas is a small town located 45 km away from Cusco. The church, probably built on an ancient Inca site at the end of the 16th century, is covered with murals. One of them is signed by the Limenian painter Luis de Riaño in 1626.
The small town of Huaro is located 4 km south of Andahuaylillas. Its white church dedicated to John the Baptist was built at the end of the 17th century. Its structure, made up of a single nave, is of classic style. Its façade is enlivened by indigenous decorations and flanked by a bell gable. Inside, the Renaissance altar is among the oldest of Peru. However, the magnificent pair of frescos made by Tadeo Escalante, situated on both sides of the entrance gate, is undoubtedly the most fascinating artwork in the church.
...
Wikipedia