Its original name was Our Lady of the Remedies, as its founder, Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, dedicated the church to it in 1572. According to researcher Humberto Vidal, the building was due to the advice of Captain Sebastian Garcilaso de la Vega, father of the chronicler. In colonial times, the place was known as Indian hospital, for here was St. Peter's Hospital, which later became medical post. The
tradition has remained and today, a few meters from the church, is the San Pedro Health Center.
The San Pedro Market in Cusco sits about an eight minute walk south from Plaza de Armas but couldn’t be more different!! On the walk to it you’ll generally notice more and more street vendors and ladies in traditional dress sitting on the side of the streets selling nuts, popcorn and other small bags of dried foods. You’ll spot more and more local shops (tiendas) selling the most random of things all in the one tienda. If you’re looking for an alpaca jumper, a freshly made juice, a bag of nectarines, some plantains to fry, buttifaras (ham sandwiches served on French bread) or some cheesy gifts for your parents or friends back home you’re definitely on your way to the right place!