Iglesia de San Francisco

The Iglesia de San Francisco stands at the corner of Avenida Jiménez and Carrera 7 in central Bogotá, Colombia, and is the oldest surviving church in the city. The Franciscans began building in the 1550s soon after the founding of Santa Fe, and the church was completed in 1621, although later earthquakes and repairs changed parts of the structure. The exterior is plain brick, with a bell tower and a modest façade, while the interior is a Latin-cross church with a single nave, side chapels and a vaulted ceiling. Its greatest treasure is the monumental main altarpiece, carved and gilded in the 1620s in a mudéjar and early baroque style, which is regarded as the finest colonial retablo in Colombia. Side altars, pulpits, sculptures and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries fill the chapels, including works linked to the Franciscan order and to lay confraternities. The church served the city's Franciscan community for centuries and was a major site of religious life in colonial Santa Fe. During the 19th century the convent was affected by the reforms that suppressed religious orders, and part of the complex was demolished when the avenue was opened. Restoration work has repaired earthquake damage and cleaned the retablo. The church remains active, with frequent Masses throughout the day, so visitors move quietly and stay out of the way of services. It lies in the commercial centre near the Museo del Oro, Parque Santander and the Museo Nacional route, so it is easily included on a walk through downtown. Entry is free. The interior is dim, and the gilding stands out most when viewed slowly from the side chapels. Street noise from Carrera 7 is loud outside, and the contrast with the calm interior is pronounced.