One of the major attractions of Lima in Peru is the historic Cathedral of Lima (Catedral de Lima). Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish explorer credited with having founded the city of Lima in 1535, laid the cornerstone of this basilican Cathedral. The colonial structure of this Cathedral reflects the architecture of different epochs. Fifteen decorative chapels form this Cathedral complex. This Cathedral is not only one of the top tourist destinations of Peru, but is also a famous landmark of the city of Lima.
During the construction of the Cathedral, however, a devastating earthquake damaged the structure and it had to be rebuilt. Even after being damaged several times due to major and minor earthquakes and reconstruction work on the Cathedral, the colonial style of architecture has been maintained. The first church was completed in 1538, and Francisco Pizarro inaugurated it in 1540. In 1551, Archbishop Jeronimo-de-Loayza inaugurated the second Cathedral. In 1622 the work on the third Cathedral was finished.
The Catedral de Lima has a magnificent design. Its exterior architecture is reminiscent of the architectural style of the Spanish colonial era. There are three highly decorated doorways in the front facade of the church. The striking features of the Catedral de Lima are its wooden balconies and vaulted delicate ceiling. One can see the cross-shaped pillars in the interior section of the Church. The benches in the Cathedral are made of high quality wood. The choir stall is also splendidly carved and the Greater Altar is gold plated. The candlesticks, the Italian marble floor, and decorative mosaics on the grave chapel create the perfect ambiance for people seeking peace of mind and serenity. There are fourteen side chapels in the Cathedral, which are also highly decorative.
The colonial structure of the Cathedral along with its exterior and interior architecture are the main attractions for the tourists. The tomb of Francisco Pizarro is placed to the right side of the entrance in the beautiful mosaic chapel. The Cathedral has a small museum, which has artifacts of the colonial time and displays the historical heritage of the city.
One of the major tourist destinations in Lima, the Catedral de Lima impresses all its visitors with its magnificent structure and design.
Cathedral of Lima Location Map
Cathedral of Lima Facts
- The entrance of this Cathedral exhibits the sign of Pope John Paul II, who visited this Cathedral in 1985 and again in 1988.
- Francisco Pizarro, the founder of the ‘City of Lima’ also called the ‘City of Kings’, laid the foundation stone of the Catedral-de-Lima in 1535, which is also the foundation year of the city.
- In 1988, UNESCO declared the historic center of Lima as a ‘World Heritage Site’, mainly due to the concentration of many historical monuments including the Catedral-de-Lima.
Where is Cathedral of Lima ?
Catedral of Lima is named after the historic city Lima, where it was built. One of the famous tourist destinations in Peru, it is located in the downtown Lima and is easily accessible. A mere 6.8 miles away from the international airport of Lima, Jorge Chavez International Airport, the Cathedral can be reached by bus and private cars.
Best time to visit Cathedral of Lima
The Cathedral is open throughout the year. You can plan your visit any time.
Cathedral of Lima Hours
From Mondays through Fridays, the Cathedral is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Saturdays it opens from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. It is closed on Sundays.
Cathedral of Lima Tickets
Entry to the Cathedral is free. Guided tours of the Cathedral can be taken in different languages; many travel agencies also organize tours to other tourist spots in the city. The travel agencies charge some fees for the tours.
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Nearby Attractions: Religious Art Museum in the Cathedral of Lima, Palace of Archbishop, Museo Larco, Miraflores, Magic Water Circuit, Parque de la Reserva and Monastery of San Domingo.
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