Exploring  San Francisco Square in Cusco

Exploring  San Francisco Square in Cusco: History, Culture, and Hidden Gems

If you are looking for a pleasant stroll through the city of Cusco, Plaza San Francisco is a must-visit spot. It is ideal if you have some free time or simply want to discover more of the city and region without doing too much heavy walking. This charming square features a native botanical garden, relaxing green spaces, nearby museums, and the historic Church of San Francisco de Asís, which houses stunning colonial art and history.

History of Plaza San Francisco

Originally, this area was part of the ancient Huacaypata (the central Inca square that included what we know today as the Plaza de Armas, Plazoleta Espinar, and Plazoleta Regocijo). In 1572, during the Spanish colonial era, Viceroy Francisco de Toledo ordered the construction of the Church of San Francisco for the Franciscan Order. Due to its strategic location and size, Plaza San Francisco quickly became Cusco’s second most important public square, right after the main Plaza de Armas.

The Botanical Garden of Plaza San Francisco

One of the most unique features of the square is its very own botanical garden. Known as the “Native Flora Botanical Garden of Plaza San Francisco,” this beautifully maintained green space preserves native plant species from the Andean region. Here, visitors can see plants such as Llaulli, Yacón, Cedroncillo, Molle (Peruvian pepper tree), and the ancient high-Andean Queuña tree.

Church of San Francisco de Asís in Cusco

The Franciscan Order arrived in Cusco shortly after its Spanish foundation. They initially settled in the San Blas neighborhood before moving closer to the main square, eventually establishing their permanent monastery at Plaza San Francisco. While the original architect remains unknown, local Cusqueño builder Francisco Domínguez Chávez was the master mason responsible for constructing the church.

Inside, visitors can explore underground catacombs and a colonial art museum featuring a massive 39 x 30-foot (12 x 9-meter) canvas painted by Juan Espinoza Monteros depicting the Franciscan family tree.

The House of Clorinda Matto de Turner

Clorinda Matto de Turner (born Grimanesa Martina Matto Usandivaras in Coya, Calca) was a pioneering Peruvian writer and a trailblazer of Indigenous literature and Latin American novels. An independent, self-taught scholar in physics, natural history, and philosophy, she gained international fame for her controversial novel Birds Without a Nest (Aves sin nido). The story depicts a tragic romance between a white man and a mestiza woman who discover they are siblings—both children of the local priest.

She passed away in Buenos Aires in 1909, and her remains were repatriated to Cusco in 1924, resting in the Almudena Cemetery. Facing Plaza San Francisco stands her former colonial home, which today serves as the EsSalud regional office and Senior Citizens Center.

Garcilaso de la Vega House (Regional Historical Museum)

Just a few steps from Plaza San Francisco lies the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Regional Museum. This colonial mansion was the birthplace of Gómez Suárez de Figueroa, known as “Inca Garcilaso de la Vega”—the “Prince of Writers of the New World” and Cusco’s first famous mestizo chronicler. Born on April 12, 1539, shortly after the fall of the Inca Empire, he was the son of Spanish Captain Garcilaso de la Vega and Inca Princess Ñusta Chimpu Ocllo (granddaughter of Inca Tupac Yupanqui).

Built over original Inca terraces, the 16th-century house sits on what Jesuit chronicler Bernabé Cobo identified as the fourth huaca (sacred site) of the eighth ceque leading toward Chinchaysuyo. Entry requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico), which also covers major nearby archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuamán and Q’enqo.

Diego Quispe Tito National University of Fine Arts

Founded in 1933 by Cusqueño painter Diego Quispe Tito as the Autonomous Superior School of Fine Arts, this prestigious institution was officially granted university status on May 24, 2017. Today, the Diego Quispe Tito National University trains top professionals in visual arts, art education, and art conservation/restoration.

Historic Schools Surrounding Plaza San Francisco

• Colegio Nacional de Ciencias del Cusco:

  Traced back to the founding of San Bernardo School by the Jesuits in 1619 to educate indigenous noblemen, this institution was reorganized by Liberator Simón Bolívar in 1825. Declared a Peruvian National Historic Monument in 1972, it is part of Cusco’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center.

• Colegio San Francisco de Asís:

  Located on the southern side of the square, this private Catholic school was founded by Royal Decree in 1691 by King Charles II of Spain as Colegio San Buenaventura. It was temporarily shut down in 1818 by Viceroy de la Serna for being a hotbed of pro-independence ideals.

• Colegio Nacional de Educandas:

  Founded by Simón Bolívar in 1825 on land formerly belonging to the Franciscans, this was the first school for young women in Cusco. Today, it is managed by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.

Arco de Santa Clara (Santa Clara Arch)

Located along Santa Clara Street on the ancient road to Contisuyo, this triumphal arch was commissioned in 1835 by General Andrés de Santa Cruz. Considered the most beautiful triumphal arch in Peru, it features a 1944 bronze plaque honoring Tupac Amaru II’s early independence movement. The arch is recognized both as a National Monument and as part of the UNESCO-listed Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail network).

Where to Stay Near Plaza San Francisco

If you plan to stay near the square, top recommended hotels include:

• Hotel Garcilaso

• Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel