- Address: Jirón Carabaya, Lima 15001, Peru
- Phone: +51 1 4279647
- Opening: 1538
- Architectural styles: Renaissance architecture, Neoclassical architecture, Gothic architecture
- Opening hours: 09: 00-17: 00, Saturday 10: 00-13: 00, Sunday: 13: 00-17: 00
- Ticket price: $ 10-15
Lima's Cathedral in Peru is a model of a mix of different architectural styles. This is due to the fact that the main construction lasted three years, after which the building was restored many times. The cathedral is the main decoration of Lima Square, but it looks especially spectacular at night, when it is illuminated by a multitude of searchlights.
History of the Cathedral
The cathedral of Lima is located on the main street of the city - Plaza de Armas . Its construction was conducted from 1535 to 1538. Until then, all the churches that were built differed in laconic design, which was associated with numerous earthquakes. But in the case of the Cathedral, the architects wanted to emphasize the importance of the Catholic church in colonial times, so the structure was notable for its impressive size and non-standard design.
Since 1538 in Peru several times there have been serious earthquakes, because of which the building was often reconstructed. The modern appearance of the Cathedral in Lima is the result of a thorough reconstruction in 1746.
Features of the Cathedral
The cathedral is one of the most majestic structures of the capital and the popular resort of Peru , which is a kind of "mix" of different architectural styles. Walking through the cathedral, you can see the characteristic techniques of Gothic style, Baroque, Classicism and Renaissance. Part of the building, designed in the Baroque style, opens onto the Plaza de Armas. It produces an incredible impression due to the abundance of carved stone details, ornaments and graceful statues. The main complex includes the following areas: the central nave, two side naves, 13 chapels.
Crossing the threshold of the Cathedral, you find yourself in a huge hall with high ribbed ceilings, white-gold walls, mosaics and columns. The main hall, which has a rectangular shape, is reminiscent of the Seville Cathedral. Gothic vaults support the roof of the cathedral, creating the effect of the starry sky. These parts are made of solid wood, which helps to keep the structure during earthquakes.
The central hall of the Cathedral of Lima is designed in the style of the Renaissance, so here you can find images of Christ and the Apostles. The altars, which were originally made in the Baroque style, were later replaced by neoclassical altars. The two bell towers of the cathedral are also in the style of classicism.
One of the lateral naves goes to the Patio de los Naranjos, and the other to the street de Giudios. During the last restoration in the left chapel, ancient paintings were discovered, which any visitor can see. Here you can also admire the image of the Virgin Mary la Esperanza. You can visit the chapel of the Holy Family, in which statues of Jesus Christ, Joseph and Mary are exhibited.
The main artifact of the Cathedral of Lima is the marble tomb of Francisco Pizarro. It was this Spanish conquistador in 1535 who controlled the construction of the cathedral. If you decide to include in your program of travel around the Lima Cathedral, then note that it is closed on national holidays . You should also know that you can not enter the cathedral in shorts and it's strictly forbidden to take pictures.
How to get there?
The cathedral is located in the heart of Lima in the Plaza de Armas, where you can also see the Municipal Palace , the Archbishop's Palace and many others. etc. You can get here by pedestrian street directly from St. Martin Square. Just two blocks from the cathedral is the railway station Desamparados Station.
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