Admire the neoclassical architecture and impressive stained-glass windows of La Paz’s main cathedral, one of the striking colonial-era buildings on Plaza Murillo.
Visit the La Paz Cathedral (Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz), also called Cathedral Murillo, to admire its 19th-century architecture and collection of stained-glass windows. The cathedral contains the tomb of a former Bolivian president. Work began on this impressive building in the 1830s. The cathedral dominates Plaza Murillo, La Paz’s central public square.
Gaze up at the cathedral’s imposing façade, which blends neoclassical and baroque architectural styles. Check out the domed bell towers, huge pillars and solid stone walls. The length of the cathedral stretches for an entire city block. Remarkably, its entrance on Plaza Murillo sits some 30 feet (12 meters) higher than its base.
As you enter through the bronze doors the austerity of the interior, with orderly columns and tall arches, is a surprise. Let your attention be drawn to the impressive stained-glass windows at the back of the altar. The windows depict the blessing of former Bolivian presidents by spiritual devotees. Look for the crypt of Andrés de Santa Cruz y Calahumana, a former Peruvian and Bolivian president. The royalist military leader fought for the Spanish Crown to oppress the revolution and died in France in 1865.
After visiting the cathedral, take pictures of the other treasures of Plaza Murillo. Look for the bust of former president Gualberto Villarroel, who was captured and killed by rebels in 1946. Don’t miss the graceful Presidential Palace. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony performed by soldiers in 19th-century uniforms. Admire the national Congress building, called Palacio Legislativo, in a former convent.
The La Paz Cathedral sits on the south side of Plaza Murillo in La Paz’s historical city center. Low-cost shared mini buses stop near the square, which is within walking distance from Plaza San Francisco. The cathedral is open during the afternoons, from Monday to Friday. On weekends it is open in the mornings only.
