Basilica of San Francisco - Image 1
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Basilica of San Francisco

4.4
·3k reviews·La Paz, Bolivia

Monumental 18th-century church showcasing unique 'Andean Baroque' architecture, offering panoramic rooftop views and insightful guided tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning guided tours

Fewer crowds, better light for photos

CrowdLow
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Basilica of San Francisco - Image 1

Basilica of San Francisco

Best Time

Morning guided tours

Fewer crowds, better light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Monumental 18th-century church showcasing unique 'Andean Baroque' architecture, offering panoramic rooftop views and insightful guided tours.

4.4
(3k reviews)

"The guided tours are highly recommended, with guides often cited for their excellent knowledge and English proficiency."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Guided Tours are Key

Don't miss the guided tours! They offer incredible insights and access to special areas.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs for the views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Panoramic Views

Rooftop Panoramic Views

Rooftop

Ascend for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. A must-see for photographers!

'Andean Baroque' Architecture

'Andean Baroque' Architecture

Main Church

Marvel at the unique 'Andean Baroque' architectural style, a blend of European and indigenous influences.

Crypt and Catacombs

Crypt and Catacombs

Crypt

Explore the solemn crypts and catacombs, offering a glimpse into the Basilica's historical and spiritual depth.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Guided Tours in Advance

Many visitors recommend booking guided tours to fully appreciate the Basilica's history and architecture. Tours often include access to areas not available otherwise, like the rooftop and crypt. Booking ahead ensures you get a spot, especially during peak season.

Allow Ample Time for Exploration

While some tours are around an hour, the Basilica and its surroundings offer much to explore. Consider dedicating at least 2-3 hours to soak in the 'Andean Baroque' style, admire the ornate carvings, and enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop.

Best Times

When
Morning guided tours
Why
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Experience the 'Andean Baroque' style
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ Segunda parte de mi visaje a Asís ✨ Una experiencia llena de 💫 fe, 🌿 paz y 🙏 esperanza. ⠀ 📍 Visité la tumba de San Francisco de Asís, un lugar que te abraza con su humildad y luz interior. ⛪ Luego, en la Basílica de Santa Clara, sentí la fuerza de una mujer santa que vivió con amor radical ❤️. 🧑‍💻 Y qué emoción al llegar hasta la tumba del beato Carlo Acutis, el “influencer de Dios”, ejemplo de ...
@yosoyjosearnaldo
9K likes • 86.1K views

🎯 Guided Tours are Key

Don't miss the guided tours! They offer incredible insights and access to special areas. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs for the views. Reddit

#assisi #italy #italia #italian #umbria #umbriatourism #umbriaitaly #stfrancis #saintfrancis #catholicsaints #catholic #catholictiktok#CapCut
@pinoycoupleofgoodvoyage
8.3K likes • 154.3K views
✳️my favorite Basilica in Madrid 📍Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great, Madrid ❇️The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great (Spanish: Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande) is a Roman Catholic church in central Madrid, Spain, located in the neighborhood of Palacio. The building was erected on the plot previously occupied by a primitive Franciscan convent (according to tradition found...
moments_of.happiness
2.3K likes • 66.7K views

💰 Reasonable Ticket Prices

The ticket price includes a guided tour, making it great value for money. Reddit

📸 Rooftop Photo Ops

The rooftop offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for capturing memories. TikTok

Step into a World of Architectural Magnificence with @saraa_theexplorer ! 🧡🇪🇸 💡 The Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande, also known as the Basilica of Saint Francis the Great, is an architectural masterpiece and important religious site located in Madrid, Spain. Share the Grandeur of San Francisco el Grande with Your Art and History Enthusiast Friends! 😍 🎥 @saraa_theexplorer 📍 The Royal...
madrid.explore
681 likes • 14.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Guided Tours are Key

Don't miss the guided tours! They offer incredible insights and access to special areas. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs for the views. Reddit

💰 Reasonable Ticket Prices

The ticket price includes a guided tour, making it great value for money. Reddit

📸 Rooftop Photo Ops

The rooftop offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for capturing memories. TikTok

📍 Near Sagarnaga Street

Conveniently located near Sagarnaga Street, a hub for backpackers and souvenir shopping. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Basilica of San Francisco for its stunning 'Andean Baroque' architecture and the incredible panoramic views from its rooftop. The guided tours are highly recommended, with guides often cited for their excellent knowledge and English proficiency, making the visit informative and engaging. The reasonable ticket price, which includes the tour, is also a significant plus.

"A 2hr tour given by an amazing tour guide Guisela Tapia, her English was perfect & full of information."

Miriam Cutajar Fiorini

"Had a great tour here with Laysar. Her English was really good and helped us to learn more and appreciate the history of the Basilica. The prices are reasonable and considering you get a guide with the tickets it's great value."

Joel Tay

"It's nice and a good starting point to explore the city by foot."

Jérôme

What People Like

Impressive 'Andean Baroque' architecture
Panoramic rooftop views
Informative guided tours

What People Dislike

Tour times can be limited

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Basilica is centrally located in La Paz, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive on foot from nearby attractions like Sagarnaga Street. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout the city. Reddit

Yes, its prominent location in the city center and its distinctive architecture make it easy to spot. It's a well-known landmark for both locals and tourists. Reddit

From El Alto International Airport (LPB), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service to the city center. The journey typically takes around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Reddit

While La Paz has a public transport system, including the Mi Teleférico cable cars, the Basilica is best reached by walking from the city center or taking a short taxi ride. Reddit

Absolutely! The Basilica of San Francisco is very close to the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) and Sagarnaga Street, making it a perfect addition to your walking tour of the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is generally around 40 Bolivianos and typically includes a guided tour, which is highly recommended. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking guided tours in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and preferred time slot. Reddit

The Basilica is generally open daily, but specific hours for tours and access to different sections like the museum, rooftop, and crypt may vary. It's best to check the official schedule or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

For access to the museum, rooftop, and crypt, a guided tour is usually mandatory. This ensures visitors receive comprehensive information about the site's history and significance. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or children is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The best way is to take a guided tour. Guides like Guisela Tapia and Laysar are praised for their excellent English and informative tours, covering the church, convent, bell tower, and crypt. Reddit+1

A guided tour usually takes about an hour, but you can spend additional time exploring the grounds and enjoying the rooftop views. Reddit

Inside, you'll find stunning 'Andean Baroque' architecture, ornate carvings, and significant religious art. The tour also grants access to the convent, bell tower, and crypt. Reddit

As it is a religious site, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered. TikTok

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with your guide or at the entrance. Generally, photos are allowed in most areas, but flash photography might be restricted. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The rooftop offers incredible panoramic city views, making it a prime spot. The intricate facade and interior details of the 'Andean Baroque' architecture are also highly photogenic. TikTok

Yes, the rooftop provides excellent vantage points for capturing the cityscape and surrounding mountains. TikTok

While generally permitted, flash photography might be prohibited in certain areas to protect the artwork and maintain the solemn atmosphere. Always check for signage or ask your guide. TikTok

Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the exterior and interior details. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour light for cityscapes from the rooftop. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical monuments due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Basilica of San Francisco can be an engaging visit for families, especially when combined with a guided tour that keeps children interested. The rooftop views are often a hit with kids, offering a sense of adventure and a great spot for spotting things from above. The sheer scale and ornate details of the church can also spark curiosity. TikTok

Consider booking a tour that is known for being engaging and informative, as the guides can make history come alive. While the crypt might be a bit somber, the main church and the climb to the rooftop offer plenty of visual stimulation. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes, as there will be walking and stairs involved. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Basilica of San Francisco offers excellent value for budget travelers. The entrance fee is quite reasonable, and crucially, it includes a guided tour. This means you get an in-depth historical and cultural experience without needing to pay extra for a guide. Reddit+1

Its central location also means you can easily walk to it from many other attractions in the city center, saving on transportation costs. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in La Paz's history and architecture without breaking the bank. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photography lovers, the Basilica of San Francisco is a treasure trove. The 'Andean Baroque' architecture provides intricate details and unique motifs for close-up shots, while the facade offers grand architectural compositions. Reddit

The undisputed highlight for photographers is the rooftop access. The panoramic views of La Paz, especially during the golden hour, are spectacular. You can capture the sprawling city, the dramatic mountain landscape, and unique perspectives of the Basilica itself. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Andean Baroque' Architectural Style

The Basilica of San Francisco is a prime example of 'Andean Baroque' architecture, a unique style that emerged in colonial South America. This style blends the ornate grandeur of European Baroque with indigenous artistic traditions and motifs. You'll notice this fusion in the intricate carvings, the use of local materials, and the incorporation of symbols that resonate with the native cultures of the region. It's a fascinating testament to the cultural exchange and adaptation that occurred during the colonial era. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the sheer impressiveness of the construction, noting how it stands out even among other significant edifices. The detailed ornamentation, particularly on the facade, showcases the skill of the artisans who worked on the Basilica over many years, spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. This architectural richness makes it a compelling sight for anyone interested in history and art. Reddit

During guided tours, you'll gain deeper insights into the specific elements that define this style, from the religious iconography to the structural innovations. Understanding the context of its creation adds another layer of appreciation to the visual splendor of the Basilica. Reddit

The Significance of Guided Tours

Many visitors emphasize that a guided tour is essential for truly appreciating the Basilica of San Francisco. These tours go beyond simply pointing out architectural features; they delve into the rich history, the spiritual significance, and the cultural context of the site. Guides often share fascinating anecdotes and historical facts that bring the Basilica to life. Reddit+1

Tour guides like Guisela Tapia and Laysar have been specifically praised for their excellent English, extensive knowledge, and engaging presentation styles. They help visitors understand the 'Andean Baroque' style, the lives of the saints associated with the church, and the historical role the Basilica has played in Bolivia. The tours typically cover the main church, the convent, the bell tower, and the crypt, offering access to areas that might otherwise be off-limits. Reddit

For the reasonable ticket price, which includes the tour, visitors feel they gain immense value. It transforms a simple visit into an educational and immersive experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the history and spirituality of this important landmark. Reddit+1

Rooftop Views and Photography Opportunities

One of the most frequently highlighted aspects of visiting the Basilica is the opportunity to ascend to its rooftop for breathtaking panoramic views of La Paz. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the city's unique topography, nestled in a canyon, with its sprawling urban landscape and the distant Andes mountains. It's a perspective that offers a different understanding of the city's layout and scale. TikTok

This elevated viewpoint is a photographer's dream. The combination of the city's vibrant colors, the dramatic mountain backdrop, and the architectural details of the Basilica itself provides ample subjects for stunning shots. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the visual appeal, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues across the cityscape. TikTok

Beyond the general city views, the rooftop also offers unique angles of the Basilica's own architecture, including its domes and spires. It's a chance to capture the grandeur of the building from a different perspective, complementing the views from ground level. TikTok

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