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Lima Cathedral — Lima
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Religious places 📍 Lima, Peru 177 views

Lima Cathedral

Lima Cathedral is one of the most important and iconic churches in Peru. Located in the historic center of Lima, the cathedral was built in the 16th century, shortly after the Spanish conquistadors founded the city.The cathedral was built in the Baroque style and features a serie...

Photo · Marika F.

Lima Cathedral — Lima, Peru.

Location
Lima
Type
Religious places
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About Lima Cathedral

Lima Cathedral - Lima | Secret World Trip Planner

Lima Cathedral is one of the most important and iconic churches in Peru. Located in the historic center of Lima, the cathedral was built in the 16th century, shortly after the Spanish conquistadors founded the city.The cathedral was built in the Baroque style and features a series of richly decorated chapels, solid gold altars, and fine works of art. Some of the most famous works are the solid silver altarpiece, dating from the 18th century, and the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary, which features a beautifully painted ceiling.One of the special features of Lima Cathedral is the presence of underground crypts, where the city's bishops and archbishops were buried. The crypts also contain the remains of Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima.But Lima Cathedral also has a curious history related to its construction. It is said that the first design of the cathedral was given to Spanish architect Francisco Becerra, but that he had to leave Peru due to a misunderstanding with the authorities. The project was then given to another architect, Jerónimo de Aliaga, but when the cathedral was completed, it was discovered that Becerra had buried a treasure under the building. It is said that the treasure was never found.Lima Cathedral is also famous for having been hit by a series of earthquakes over the centuries. The most destructive of these earthquakes occurred in 1746, when much of the cathedral collapsed and had to be rebuilt.Today, Lima Cathedral is one of the city's main tourist attractions and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of colonial Peru. If you are in Lima, do not miss the opportunity to visit this fascinating and history-rich site.

Lima Cathedral - Lima | Secret World Trip Planner
Lima Cathedral - Lima | Secret World Trip Planner
✦ Secret World · suggested day

A perfect day in Lima

Start with Lima Cathedral, then continue with nearby places selected by Secret World.

  1. 01
    Morning
    Lima Cathedral
    📍 Lima
    Start here
  2. 02
    Afternoon
    📍 0.8 km away
  3. 03
    Evening
    📍 1.4 km away

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Frequently Asked Questions

Lima Cathedral was built in the Baroque style and features richly decorated chapels, solid gold altars, and fine works of art. Notable pieces include an 18th-century solid silver altarpiece and the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary, which boasts a beautifully painted ceiling.
Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conqueror and founder of Lima, is buried in the underground crypts of the cathedral along with the city's bishops and archbishops. Visitors can explore these crypts, which are one of the special features of this historic site.
Lima Cathedral was constructed in the 16th century shortly after the Spanish conquistadors founded the city. The cathedral had to be significantly rebuilt after a destructive earthquake in 1746 that caused much of the original structure to collapse.
According to local legend, the original architect Francisco Becerra buried treasure somewhere under the cathedral building before he had to leave Peru due to a misunderstanding with authorities. The treasure has allegedly never been found, adding to the cathedral's intriguing history.
Yes, Lima Cathedral is one of Lima's main tourist attractions offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore colonial Peruvian history and culture. You can admire its ornate Baroque architecture, precious artworks, underground crypts, and learn about the significant historical events that shaped this iconic building.

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