Cathedral

The groundbreaking ceremony for Lima's Cathedral took place on the city's foundation day, January 18, 1535). While the first church was quite simple, constant repairs due to earthquake damage and expansions in the 17th century, including three additional naves and a side chapel, gave Lima an immense Baroque cathedral reflecting the importance of the Catholic Church in Colonial times.

Repeated smaller and larger earthquakes, particularly the one in 1746, demolished the church, begging for a lighter structure. As a result, the Lima Cathedral was altered and repaired numerous times. The current Cathedral is based on the original design and plans of the building that was destroyed in 1746. The impressive structure, which today consists of a central nave, two side aisles, and 13 chapels, reflects various art epochs ranging from Baroque to Neoclassicism.

The cathedral's front is carved in stone and embellished with exquisite details and decorations. The interior design combines late Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. The vaulted ceiling and checkerboard flooring are stunning, as are the gold-plated main altar and the carved wooden choir stalls, which have detailed carved arms and backs representing saints, virgins, and apostles.

The remains of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima who dictated the design and layout of the first building of the Cathedral of Lima, are housed in a beautifully mosaic-decorated grave chapel. The Lima Cathedral's Religious Art Museum is housed in the old sacristy and adjoining rooms. The museum houses religious paintings, sculptures, and a plethora of liturgical objects. If you take a guided tour, you will be led not only through the museum but also through the entire church.

Google rating: 4.7/5
Address: Jirón Carabaya, Lima 15001, Peru
Phone: +51 1 4279647
Website: http://www.arzobispadodelima.org/