The Old Cathedral of Cuenca, or El Sagrario, was constructed in the same year that the town of Cuenca was founded: 1557. Its location is on ancient Inca ruins and it was built for the religious followers of Cuenca. Unfortunately the cathedral became too small to cater for the increasing attendance and a new cathedral was built directly opposite the Old Cathedral of Cuenca. It now serves as a museum. The first restoration work on the cathedral started in 1985, but its rescue only started in the year 1999. Restoration workers were able to save the beautiful paintings that originally adorned the walls and the center of the cathedral is used to exhibit rare and fascinating artifacts.