Catedral de Lima

Already on the foundation day of Lima, the 18th of January 1535, the ground breaking ceremony for the 'Cathedral of Lima' took place. But during the construction heavy earthquakes damaged the church badly and it had to be repaired over and over again. Finally in 1645 the work was accomplished. Reiterated smaller and bigger earthquakes, especially the one from 1746, harmed the church over and over again and therefore asked for a lighter construction. Consequently the Cathedral of Lima was altered once again and repaired.

The impressive Colonial architecture of different art epochs, like the merged stages of the baroque and the neoclassicism are all reflected in the Cathedral of Lima in an amazing way. Remarkable are the incredibly carved choir stalls, the beautiful mosaics decorating the grave chapel in which the remains of Francisco Pizarro are buried, the exceptional carving works and the impressive main altar. The old sacristy and the adjoining rooms house the 'Museo de Arte Religioso de la Catedral de Lima'. The museum displays religious paintings, sculptures and countless liturgical objects. Take a guided tour and you are lead not only through the museum but also through the whole church.

Read more... (Overview of Historical Churches & Convents in Lima)