Boliva: La Paz – Basilica San Fransisco

Let’s start with the La Paz expiration in the center of the old city and the Plaza of San Fransisco, home to the famous Basilica of the same name. It was founded in 1548 by Alonzo de Mendoza, founder of La Paz, as a convent for the Franciscans to foster the religious conversion of the locals. A hundred years later, the church collapsed under extreme snowfall and was in ruins for about 200 years before being rebuilt in late 18th centuries. The church is in the so-called mestizo-baroque style, incorporating elements of the local Aymara indigenous people who worshipped here as well (they had a separate entrance originally). A tour of the church offers a unique trip to the rooftop for some awesome views of the belltower and the tile work.