The cathedral is the most important religious building of Sucre, which at that time was still called Charcas. It was canonically established on June 27, 1552 as the Cathedral Church of Charcas, respectively La Plata (the city’s first name). Its construction in the Renaissance style with later baroque additions was finally completed in 1712.
The three naves are covered with ribbed vaults that feature Gothic touches. The architectural site comprises sacristies, the chapter house and adjoining chapels, which reflect the different construction stages.
The Mannerist portal stands on paired Tuscan columns and the baroque portal on the plaza side was designed by architect Gonzales Merquete.
The church’s vestibule is surrounded by a bevelled stone balustrade. The cross stone on its ledge is known under the traditional name of “RUMI CRUZ”.
The clock on the top of the tower dates back to 1772 and is still working. The tower is Sucre’s most characteristic landmark.
