Things to Do at Metropolitan Cathedral

Complete Guide to Metropolitan Cathedral in Sucre

About Metropolitan Cathedral

Admission: 28 bolivianos (). Photography is permitted in designated areas only. Photography may require a separate permit for professional equipment.

What to See & Do

Bell Tower Views

Climb the tower for panoramic views of Sucre's colonial architecture and the Andes beyond - it's a bit of a workout but worth every step

Virgin of Guadalupe Chapel

Houses an ornate silver altar and the cathedral's most revered religious artwork, including paintings that blend European and indigenous artistic traditions

Colonial Religious Art Collection

Impressive paintings and sculptures from the 16th-18th centuries, many created by indigenous artists trained in European techniques

Main Altar

An elaborate Baroque masterpiece covered in gold leaf, surrounded by intricate woodwork that took local craftsmen decades to complete

Crypt and Underground Chambers

Explore the cathedral's lower levels where colonial-era bishops and prominent citizens were buried - atmospheric and historically fascinating

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM; Sunday masses might affect visiting hours

Tickets & Pricing

Cathedral entry is free; bell tower access costs around 10 Bolivianos (about $1.50 USD)

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds; avoid Sunday mornings during mass times

Suggested Duration

Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the cathedral itself, plus 30 minutes if you climb the bell tower

Getting There

The cathedral dominates Plaza 25 de Mayo in Sucre's historic center, so you'll stumble across it while wandering the city. Taxis from the bus terminal cost 10-15 Bolivianos, or grab any local bus stopping near the plaza. Easy enough. Most historic center hotels sit 5-10 minutes away on foot through Sucre's colonial streets-just walk toward the main plaza. You can't miss it. The cathedral's imposing white facade makes spotting it simple.

Things to Do Nearby

Casa de la Libertad
The house where Bolivia's independence was declared, now a fascinating museum just steps from the cathedral

Convento de San Felipe Neri
A 16th-century convent with rooftop access offering different but equally sweeping views of the city

Mercado Central
Sucre's bustling central market, perfect for trying local foods and picking up textiles - about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral

Museo de Arte Indígena
Excellent collection of traditional Bolivian textiles and crafts, giving context to the indigenous influences you'll see in the cathedral

Tips & Advice

Dress modestly - this is still a working cathedral, so cover your shoulders and avoid shorts

The bell tower climb involves narrow spiral stairs and can be claustrophobic - skip it if you're not comfortable with tight spaces

Photography is generally allowed but avoid using flash, especially near the religious artwork

Visit during the week if possible - weekends tend to be busier with both tourists and local worshippers