Church of Laja – Peace
Altitude 3939 m.s.n.m.
Temperatura mine. 3 OC – Max. 18 OC
Location and context
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Laja is a town in the department of La Paz, province of Los Andes.
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The Church of Laja is located in the main square of said town, accessible from the city of La Paz.
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Laja is considered a historical place because the first foundation of La Paz was made there in October 1548, although later the city was moved to another more convenient place.
History and architecture
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The original construction of a church in Laja dates back to the year 1545.
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In 1680 It was remodeled with Renaissance influences..
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Two Solomonic columns and four reliefs with motifs such as monkeys and double-headed eagles were added to its main façade.. These elements reflect a mixture of European and Andean symbols.
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The plant responds to the baroque style in its main design, and construction completed shortly before 1689.
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The architectural plan is baroque with a mix of colonial and mestizo styles due to later remodeling..
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The church preserves paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries by an unknown author..
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The main altar is made of carved silver, with figures centered around the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, patron saint of Laja.
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Inside there are altarpieces, colonial paintings, and an artistically decorated wooden choir.
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It is said that part of the dome retains exterior green tiles, possibly from the Jesús de Machaca region.
Traditions, festivities and culture
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The main festival of the town is celebrated on 8 December in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
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Laja is also known for its traditional stone bread making., which is a local cultural attraction.
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