The Neighborhood of San Blas is one of the most visited in the city of Cusco. Known as the neighborhood of artisans because it has had great artists and still continue with that heritage because you will find galleries that exhibit and sell different works.
Do you want to discover the charms of the Barrio de San Blas? Then you should know that it is one of the most beautiful places that takes you back to different periods of history.
Table of Contents
During Inca times, this site was called T'oqokachi, which translates as "salt cave". A space where traces of this important culture of Peru remain.
According to the chronicles of Juan Paolo de Ondegrado and Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa, they found several remains belonging to the Inca Pachacutec, one of the most transcendental rulers in Inca history and who ordered the construction of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
With the arrival of the Spaniards, it became known as San Blas in honor of Bishop Blas de Sebaste. In addition, it began with the construction of colonial houses and in most cases are based on Inca remains.
To get to know this neighborhood from the Plaza Mayor of the city you can walk in the direction of Triunfo Street, pass by the Stone of the 12 angles, and then go up the slope of San Blas and from that point you are already at the desired destination.
With the passage of time, San Blas continues to be recognized as an artisan neighborhood, for having different artisans. Among them stands out the great artist Hilario Mendivil, who was the maximum artistic exponent in Cusco during the XX century.
His works stand out for revolutionizing popular imagery where he created the style of the "Long necks". Today his legacy continues through his family descendants.
Musero Hilario Mendivil and Family
This space shows the works of Hilario Mendevil and his family. Where they present their own style in saints, virgins and other figures with elongated necks.
Within the San Blas neighborhood there are these sites you can visit:.
It is a highly recommended path, which you can take from the Plaza de Mayor of Cusco because it is only 7 minutes away.
The climb will take you to the neighborhood of San Blas and during the tour you will be able to take pictures with peculiar views of the center of the city of Cusco.
Known for being one of the best places to take pictures with a panoramic view of the city. It is an observatory to rest and enjoy the company of friends or family.
This place is perfect to visit, where you can find a water fountain that has a striking fall, being an Instagrammable space that you can take advantage of.
In the center of the plaza there is a small water fountain and native plants that embellish the site.
It is built on a Huaca belonging to the Inca period. It is considered a center of worship to the god "Illapa", which translates as thunder, lightning and lightning.
Inside this church you can appreciate several canvases belonging to the Cusco School as the representation of the "Life of San Blas"and the "Resurrection of Lazarus". In addition, one of the most outstanding pulpits of the city is appreciated.
Tierras de los Andes, your reliable travel agency, recommends you to visit the Barrio de San Blas to taste some traditional dishes or foreign food. Here you will find several upscale restaurants that maintain an extraordinary service.
The options for fun at night are varied, you can visit a bar with a panoramic view of the city, likewise, the souvenir photos usually have a contrast of lights and very striking tones.
