The Church of Triumph, Cusco
The Church of Triumph (Iglesia del Triunfo), located in Cusco, holds the distinction of being the first Christian church built in the city. Its construction commenced in 1536, just three years after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, on the city's main square. This site was historically significant, as the church was erected over Suntur Wasi, an Inca ceremonial building and armory that was connected to the palace of Wiracocha, reflecting the Spanish practice of building religious sites over indigenous structures to signify dominance and facilitate conversion.
The church's name, "Church of Triumph," commemorates a pivotal moment when the Spanish, on the brink of defeat, claimed a miraculous victory over the Incas. This victory was attributed to Saint James the Great, the patron saint of Spain, who, according to devout Catholics, descended from heaven to aid the Spanish forces. A statue within the church depicts Saint James on horseback, defeating an Inca warrior, symbolizing this legendary event.
Additionally, the church is notable for containing the vault of Garcilaso de la Vega, an esteemed Inca chronicler. Born in Cusco in 1539, de la Vega's remains were moved to the Church of Triumph in 1978 from Spain by King Juan Carlos, marking a significant repatriation of cultural heritage. De la Vega's works are crucial for understanding Inca culture and history, bridging Spanish and Andean worlds.
The Church of Triumph not only serves as a place of worship but also as a monument encapsulating the complex layers of Cusco鈥檚 history, from its Inca foundations to its colonial transformations.
The church's name, "Church of Triumph," commemorates a pivotal moment when the Spanish, on the brink of defeat, claimed a miraculous victory over the Incas. This victory was attributed to Saint James the Great, the patron saint of Spain, who, according to devout Catholics, descended from heaven to aid the Spanish forces. A statue within the church depicts Saint James on horseback, defeating an Inca warrior, symbolizing this legendary event.
Additionally, the church is notable for containing the vault of Garcilaso de la Vega, an esteemed Inca chronicler. Born in Cusco in 1539, de la Vega's remains were moved to the Church of Triumph in 1978 from Spain by King Juan Carlos, marking a significant repatriation of cultural heritage. De la Vega's works are crucial for understanding Inca culture and history, bridging Spanish and Andean worlds.
The Church of Triumph not only serves as a place of worship but also as a monument encapsulating the complex layers of Cusco鈥檚 history, from its Inca foundations to its colonial transformations.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cusco. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Church of Triumph on Map
Sight Name: The Church of Triumph
Sight Location: Cusco, Peru (See walking tours in Cusco)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cusco, Peru (See walking tours in Cusco)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cusco, Peru
Create Your Own Walk in Cusco
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cusco is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cusco Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled high in the Andes mountains, Cusco is a city bursting with stories to tell. Peru's historic capital city was also the Inca Empire's center until the Spanish conquistadors arrived.
Before the Inca settled in the area, the Killke people were here from the years 900 to 1200. Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex outside of town, was built as a fortress by the Killke.
The Inca later... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Before the Inca settled in the area, the Killke people were here from the years 900 to 1200. Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex outside of town, was built as a fortress by the Killke.
The Inca later... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Cusco's Historical Churches
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is one of the oldest cities in the world. In the 16th century, Spanish missionaries introduced the area to Catholicism. The result of that has been a plethora of historical churches built in the city since.
Among the marvels of local ecclesiastical architecture, the Cusco Cathedral reigns supreme. Constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Among the marvels of local ecclesiastical architecture, the Cusco Cathedral reigns supreme. Constructed on the foundations of an Inca temple,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles