Church of Saint Andrews, Santa Cruz de la Sierra

The Church of Saint Andrews is a captivating gem for tourists seeking local history and architectural charm. Built around 1849 with significant support from Archbishop José Andrés Salvatierra Chávez, this church replaced earlier structures and today stands as a fine example of mid-19th-century ecclesiastical architecture in the region.

This elegant church features a unique wooden structure comprising three naves supported by eighteen Tuscan-style columns set atop a masonry base. A distinctive wooden portico projects from the façade, creating a veranda decorated with Baroque-style vegetal motifs and a carved fronton reminiscent-albeit modestly-of classical Greek temple forms. The wooden tower adds to its rustic yet refined aesthetic, making it one of the few buildings in the city preserving such colonial-era craftsmanship.

Between 1855 and 1868, the Church of Saint Andrews even served as a temporary cathedral, replacing the role of the Church of La Merced during a period of transition in the Diocese of Santa Cruz. It later passed into the care of Franciscan friars in the 1860s and has undergone renovations over the decades; today, its freshly restored façade radiates warmth and serenity, inviting both worshippers and visitors alike.

Visitors can explore this peaceful sanctuary free of charge; the church is generally open daily from early morning into the evening, with masses held regularly throughout the week. Its location close to the city centre makes it easy to include in walking tours, and it provides a quiet contrast to the bustling Plaza 24 de Septiembre just a few blocks away.