The Ministry of Culture declared on March 20 the Señor de Exaltación de Mayo Luren church, located in the populated center of Mayo or Luren in the district of Aucará, Lucanas province, Ayacucho department, as a monument that is part of the National Cultural Heritage. This was formalized through Vice Ministerial Resolution No. 079-2026-VMPCIC/MC.
This declaration is based on Law No. 28296, the General Law of National Cultural Heritage, which recognizes properties with historical, architectural, social, and symbolic value as fundamental to Peru’s cultural identity.
A technical evaluation by the Directorate of Historic Real Estate Heritage found that the church holds significant historical value as evidence of evangelization during colonial times and the integration of religious practices in the region. Architecturally, it preserves original construction and artistic elements such as its facade, bell tower, and main altarpiece attached to the back wall.
The church also has social importance for serving as a gathering place for faith practices among residents for over three centuries. It has become part of their collective memory. Its cultural significance lies in expressing a blend between Andean and European traditions that remain present in daily life in the Sondondo Valley.
According to registry verification by SUNARP (Superintendencia Nacional de los Registros Públicos), the property covers an area of 361.22 square meters and is registered under Entry No. P23011078 as property of the Archdiocese of Ayacucho. The declaration does not alter ownership but requires any intervention to have authorization from the Ministry of Culture according to current regulations.
With this measure, the Ministry said it reaffirms its commitment to protecting and preserving Peru’s cultural heritage.
