 La Compañia de Jesus is placed in the main square of Cusco, as a statement of the conflicts between the jesuits and the bishop during the Colony. Originally built in the late 16th century, the church was almost entirely destroyed by the earthquake of 1650, rebuilt, and finally finished 18 years later. Like the Cathedral, it was also built on the site of an important ancient palace, belonged to the Inca Huayna Capac (said to be the most beautiful of all the Inca rulers' palaces).
La Compañía de Jesús is said to be one of the best examples of colonial Baroque architecture in the Americas. Inside, it's rather gloomy, but the gilded altar is stunning, especially when illuminated. The golden altarpiece, decorated with wreathed columns, features an old image of the Virgin and a panel of the Ascension of Christ attributed to the Flemish Jesuit Diego de la Puente. Best Tours including a Compañia de Jesus Church sighting:
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