IGLESIA SAN FRANCISCO

Immediately to the east, Salta’s most outlandish church is the Iglesia San Francisco (Caseros and Córdoba, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5–8 p.m. daily except Sunday), dating from 1796 but embellished by Franciscan architect Luis Giorgi from 1868 to 1872; the soaring four-story tower—terraced like a ziggurat—also dates from this period. It’s the reddish color, gilt trim, and ornamental details that really grab the viewer’s attention, though.