Cathedral of Lima, Roman Catholic cathedral in Plaza Mayor, Lima, Peru
The Cathedral of Lima is a large religious structure on Plaza Mayor that blends multiple European architectural styles within one building. Sixteen decorated chapels surround the central nave, with the exterior and interior combining Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque, and other design traditions.
Construction began in 1602 and took nearly two centuries to complete, with the building damaged repeatedly by earthquakes common to the region. A major earthquake in 1746 caused severe damage that required extensive reconstruction of major sections.
The cathedral's role as a spiritual center shaped Lima's development since colonial times, and visitors can sense this importance through the scale and detail of its interior spaces. The various chapels reflect how different social groups within the city expressed their faith through art and architecture.
Visitors can purchase combination tickets to explore both the cathedral and the adjacent Archbishop's Palace on the same visit. Guided tours in multiple languages help explain the details of the chapels and artwork throughout the building.
The remains of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador, rest in a dedicated chamber near the entrance after being discovered in 1977. This tomb is one of the few places where visitors can stand face-to-face with a figure who shaped the continent's colonial history.
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