La Recoleta Monastery: Witnessing Japanese History

A 15-20 minute uphill walk from Sucre's city center

Located next to the Recoleta viewpoint, the monastery is accessible by taxi or local bus, but it’s close enough to walk.

Viewpoint
I visited on a sunny day, but the overgrown trees obstructed the view, making the scenery less than impressive.

Square
Next to the viewpoint, there are a few quiet souvenir shops. There’s also a photo spot featuring the word "Sucre."

Monastery
💰 Price per person: 20 BOB
Guided tours in Spanish only; individual exploration is not allowed.
If the previous group’s tour hasn’t finished, you may have to wait a bit.

🕰️ Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-11:30, 14:30-16:30
Sat 15:00-17:00
Sun 14:30-16:30

Built in 1601 by the Franciscan Order, this historic building features four square cloisters adorned with flowers. Photography of the interior collections is prohibited.

One of the reasons I recommend Japanese visitors to come here is a large painting. I realized its significance when the guide mentioned "Nagasaki, Japon." The painting depicts the execution of Christian missionaries and believers who were burned at the stake in Nagasaki, Japan, a few years before the establishment of La Recoleta Monastery. Seeing such a painting in a Bolivian monastery left me speechless, but I etched the memory into my mind to never forget this part of history.

Other paintings of angels 🪽 and Christ were rendered in a warm and gentle style that captivated me.

Although the guide didn’t speak English, they tried to explain things thoroughly when asked. I should have used a translation app.

In the adjoining church, where photography is allowed, the chair carvings were magnificent.

The tour itself was short, about 30 minutes, likely to accommodate the next group, but it showcased many valuable items.

Next door, there’s a museum of traditional Bolivian handicrafts where you can watch artisans at work (30 BOB). Part of the admission fee is used to preserve traditional crafts.
Pasillo de artesanías de Sucre Bolivia
🕰️ Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30-18:30

It’s worth visiting both as a set. Neither is very large, so you can explore them without feeling rushed.

Even in winter, the midday sun can be intense, so I recommend going early in the morning, aiming to arrive by 9:00. Even if you walk, you can return to the town center before noon.