The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Francis of Assisi is a spiritual and heritage symbol of Tilcara, whose history dates back to the late 17th century, when a small chapel grew into the present-day church. Built in a simple colonial style, with adobe walls, wooden and cactus wood roofs, a double bell tower, and a traditional main altarpiece, the church houses works of art from the 18th-century Cuzco School and a paste crucifix that attracts the attention of visitors and scholars alike. Furthermore, its spaces have hosted religious services and local celebrations, and its atrium facing the plaza offers a serene setting to appreciate the traditional architecture of northern Argentina. Its status as a historical monument and its religious significance make it an unmissable destination for anyone exploring Tilcara.
The church was built under the impetus of Father Joseph Alexo de Alverro in 1797 and consolidated with successive renovations until it adopted the form that is seen today, integrating elements of colonial sacred art, artistic pieces and the presence of the remains of Colonel Manuel Álvarez Prado —local hero of independence—, which adds a valuable historical dimension to the visit.