Lima Cathedral in Peru
The Basilica Cathedral of Lima is truly one of the most beautiful structures in Peru’s capital city, though it has been refurbished, renovated, and expanded many times in its nearly 500-year history.
The first Roman Catholic church constructed at this
site was built between 1535 and 1538 and was a adobe structure that was
small and humble. Francisco Pizarro, who had laid the first stone,
inaugurated the church in 1540. Just a year later, the church was designated
a cathedral by Pope Paul
A rebuilt cathedral was inaugurated in 1755 and the construction of the current towers of the cathedral occurred from 1794 to 1797. However, during the next 100 years, the Lima Cathedral fell into disrepair and was eventually closed in 1893. Renovations began a few years later and a new and improved church was inaugurated in 1898. Yet more earthquake damage occurred in 1940 but restoration happened fairly quickly under the guidance of Emilio Harth-Terre, a prominent Peruvian architect of the era.
Like most Roman Catholic cathedrals, the magnificent Baroque facade of the Lima Cathedral features three doorways. The largest, located in the center, is dubbed the “door of forgiveness.” The Peruvian seal sits above the door. Also on the front façade is a sculpture of the Apostles of Jesus, and in the very center, visitors can view a piece known as “The Sacred Heart of Jesus.” On the rear side of the church, there are two more entrances, and on the sides, visitors can count a whopping 14 doors, one of which leads to a byway known as The Street of the Jews.
Inside, guests will find that much of the Baroque
ornamentation that was once part of the cathedral is gone.
However, the interior is still worth a visit. Various chapels display
a number of altars in a variety of different styles. One holds the church’s
ancient baptistery and another features the figures of Jesus, Mary, and
Joseph and is dubbed the Chapel of the Holy Family (Capilla
de la Sagrada Familia). Also inside is the mosaic-clad tomb of Francisco
Pizarro. Along the side aisles are also many excellent works of art
featuring the Stations of the Cross. Other recently discovered works have
been added to this impressive collection as well. Also look for the 17th
century choir, designed by artist Pedro de Noguera, considered a rococo
masterpiece.
While visitors can explore on their own and
probably grasp most of what they are viewing, English guide services are
available for a small fee though there are no “official” organized tours of
the cathedral.
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