Here are six cities in South America featuring remarkable architecture to visit, from the colonial-era architecture of Cartagena to the picturesque city built on pillars in Castro.
Cusco, Peru, boasting ancient Incan redone ruins, now welcomes truthfully restored Spanish colonial homes, adequately carved renovations reflect recent investigation.
Including Kusicancha, many colonial structures in a blend of Andean-Spanish style are found in the region. The house-museum of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and that of the Concha family, which houses the Machu Picchu museum, are ideal examples of this style, which combines European influences with local customs. The Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, located on the charming Place d'Armes, is one of Latin America's most prominent churches.
Sugar (Bolivia), the city of pale stone, the possession of the white complexes
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Paraty (Brazil), the colonial gem of the Costa Verde
In the past century, and here and there, large middle-class villas were built around a garden patio. Regarding its natural surroundings, they are absolutely breathtaking: standing at the shore, in a picturesque bay enclosed by curved coastlines, the church towers rise majestically against a backdrop of dense forests climbing up the Bocaina Mountains.
Quito (Ecuador), a baroque city set amidst a tapestry of vibrant colours, its architecture a fusion of old and new.
Quito, the capital city, was the first location to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a strong interest in Ecuadorian history and architecture. The city's colorful facades are lined with Baroque and Gothic monuments, such as the imposing Carondelet Palace, the governmental seat, the gigantic Basilica del Voto Nacional, and the Museo de la Ciudad, which showcases the history of Quito in the former San Juan de Dios hospital... A walk through the area known as the ‘Middle of the World’ is best done with your head on a swivel and an open eye.
Castro (Chile), houses on stilts and wooden churches
The island of Castro boasts a rich cultural legacy, thanks to the numerous historic churches dotting the city and surrounding area, the archipelago's dozen or so marvels of wooden architecture. Frequently clad in wooden shingles known as larch, these churches have earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status, representing an impressive blend of European building techniques adapted to the island's local materials and climate.
Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), the vibrant gem of the Caribbean coast
19th-century city walls surround the city. Beyond these walls, the skyscrapers of the Bocagrande district showcase contemporary architecture in the nation.