Overview:

San Juan de Dios Church is the main church located in the Bolivian city of La Paz. The church was founded in honor of San Juan de Dios, the patron saint of travelers. Built in the 18th century, the church is an example of Andean baroque architecture, and is noted for its intricate interior woodwork. The structure is a unique combination of traditional Andean architecture and Spanish colonial style. Inside the church are several beautiful chapels, an impressive wooden altarpiece, and a variety of religious artwork, including a painting of the Virgin Mary. The church also houses a pre-Columbian mummy, thought to be that of a 15th century Quechua woman. San Juan de Dios Church is an important part of La Paz's cultural and religious landscape, and continues to draw worshippers from around the country. The church is open to the public and visitors can explore the building's rich history and architecture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Neo-Baroque style façade: The most prominent feature of the San Juan de Dios Church is its neo-Baroque style façade that gives the building its distinctive look. 2. Graceful bell tower: The bell tower of the San Juan de Dios Church is a graceful structure rising slightly above the main building in a Baroque style. It is topped with a dome and has a large cross in the center of the structure. 3. Adorned with sculptures: Many of the sculptures adorning the walls of the San Juan de Dios Church were made by famous sculptors from the 19th century, including Teodoro Mallea and José María Quirós. 4. Ornate stained glass windows: The San Juan de Dios Church is also noted for its ornate stained glass windows depicting religious scenes. 5. Magnificent ceiling mural: The ceiling of the church features a magnificent mural painted in 1878, depicting scenes of the life of Jesus Christ and other saints. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

San Juan de Dios Church is located in La Paz, Bolivia and is the oldest active church in the city. It was built between 1768 and 1773 by the Spaniards, who intended to turn La Paz into a great cosmopolitan metropolis of the Americas, as it was a strategic trading center due to its central location and the fact that it was surrounded by rich silver mines. The church is dedicated to St. John of God, the founder of the order of the Brothers Hospitallers, a branch of the Order of Friars Minor, who were renowned for their religious services during the colonial period of Bolivia’s history. The church itself is Baroque in design, using a rich variety of materials to build it, such as white limestone and pink marble, and it is one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America. The original building has undergone a number of renovations throughout its long history, including one in 1799 which added a bell tower and other decorative features. The facade itself dates from 1858, when it was remodeled to include altars and statues of saints in the pediment. The interior of the building is as elegant as its exterior, with hand-painted frescoes depicting scenes of the life of St. John of God, as well as statues of saints and angels. Despite the renovations and additions, San Juan de Dios Church remains one of La Paz’s most exciting architectural landmarks, as well as a reminder of the city’s rich and fascinating history. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. San Juan de Dios Church was built by the Jesuits in the 18th century in La Paz, Bolivia, and is one of the oldest churches in the city. 2. The church features a unique combination of Baroque and Indigenous architectures, with the inclusion of Aymara symbols into the intricate design. 3. The church is home to hundreds of traditional Indigenous sculptures called ñustas, which are believed to ward off evil. 4. Inside the church, you can find a stunning silver altar that was made in the 1890s. 5. At the entrance of the church is a beautiful bronze sculpture of San Juan de Dios, a saint known for his healing abilities. 6. San Juan de Dios Church is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics, and thousands of people visit each year to pray for miracles. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.