Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
About 80 kilometers south of Puno, on the road to the Bolivian border, lies the city of Juli. Nicknamed the "Little Rome of the Andes," this title highlights the religious and cultural importance the city gained during the colonial period, thanks to the presence of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
What makes Juli unique is the exceptional concentration of four major temples built between the 16th and 17th centuries. These churches served as training and mission centers for the Jesuits before their expansion throughout South America (including the famous Chiquitos missions in Bolivia).
Juli was also an intellectual hub. It was here that one of the first printing presses in South America was installed, used to publish books and catechisms in the local Aymara language. This central role in evangelization and education cemented its status as a religious capital.
The richness of Juli lies in its unique concentration of large colonial churches. They served as centers of evangelization and worship for the Jesuits, who trained missionaries destined for the entire continent.
Considered the most impressive, this church stands majestically on the shore of the lake. Although sometimes in structural peril (its bell tower unfortunately collapsed after years of decay in 2013), it remains a witness to Baroque opulence. Its architecture integrates indigenous elements, typical of the Andean Baroque style.
Located on the Plaza de Armas, it was the main place of worship for the Spaniards. It stands out for its more sober façade in Renaissance style, but its Baroque interior houses richly decorated altars and paintings from the Cusco School.
Characterized by great architectural beauty and a richly sculpted portal, it once housed the Franciscan Convent. It is often considered the most beautiful church in the city for the finesse of its carved details.
This church played a crucial role in the Jesuit mission. It was the site of the first printing press in Aymara and is renowned for its well-preserved murals, offering insight into the religious art of the time.
Beyond its impressive temples, Juli remains a lively Aymara town. Its historical importance and position on Lake Titicaca offer opportunities for discoveries that enrich the traveler’s experience.
Juli’s Plaza de Armas is the central point of community life, surrounded by the Church of San Pedro Mártir. It’s the perfect spot to observe local crafts and the rhythm of daily life, as many residents continue to preserve Aymara cultural traditions.
Thanks to its location on the lakeshore, Juli offers stunning views, especially from the Church of Santa Cruz de Jerusalén. It’s an ideal place to admire the vast blue landscape of the Altiplano and Lake Titicaca, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
Juli is a treasure often overlooked by traditional tourist routes. Its churches are not merely religious buildings; they are monumental witnesses to the intellectual, religious, and artistic history of South America.
For those seeking to immerse themselves in Andean Baroque, understand the impact of Jesuit missions, or simply discover an authentic town in southern Peru, Juli — the “Little Rome of the Andes” — is a fascinating destination well worth the detour. It confirms the richness and cultural diversity the Altiplano has to offer.