Cathedral of Lima
The Cathedral of Lima, also known as the Basilica Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima and Primate of Peru, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Plaza Mayor of downtown Lima, Peru. It is one of the most significant religious and historical landmarks in the country.
History
Foundation and Early Construction
The foundation of the Cathedral of Lima dates back to January 18, 1535, when Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador and founder of Lima, allocated the space for its construction. The initial structure was a modest adobe building, completed in 1538. In 1541, the church was elevated to the status of a cathedral by Pope Paul III, who created the Diocese of Lima.
Development and Reconstruction
The cathedral underwent several phases of construction and reconstruction due to the frequent earthquakes that plagued the region. Significant rebuilding efforts took place in 1609, 1687, 1746, 1940, 1966, 1970, 1974, and 2007. The current structure, which began construction in 1602 and was completed in 1797, reflects a blend of Renaissance, Gothic, Neoclassical, Baroque, and Plateresque architectural styles.
Architectural Features
Exterior
The facade of the Cathedral of Lima is of Renaissance style with Plateresque decorations. Its high towers with slate spires are neoclassical, influenced by the Escorial school and northern European styles. The cathedral has three main doors: the Main Door, the Baptistery Door, and the Door of Forgiveness.
Interior
The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, featuring remarkable wood-carved choir stalls, tile mosaics, and a gold-plated altar. The carved wooden choir stalls, crafted by the Spanish architect and sculptor Pedro de Noguera, are one of the most distinctive examples of Spanish colonial art in the Americas.
Chapels
The cathedral houses 13 chapels devoted to various religious figures, including a chapel dedicated to Santa Rosa de Lima, the first person born in the Western Hemisphere to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. Other notable chapels include the Chapel of Our Lady, the Chapel of Saint Rose, and the Chapel of Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo.
Tomb of Francisco Pizarro
One of the most significant features of the cathedral is the mausoleum of Francisco Pizarro, located near the main entrance. The authenticity of Pizarro's remains was confirmed in 1977 when a sealed lead box containing a skull was discovered. The remains were reunited and transferred to a chapel adorned with Venetian mosaics and marble.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Cathedral of Lima has been visited by several notable figures, including four saints of the colonial era: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, San Juan Macias, and San Francisco Solano. In 1985, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral, marking a historic first.
The cathedral was also selected to represent Lima in Peru’s Wealth and Pride collectors coin series, illustrating its monumental relevance.
Visiting Information
The Cathedral of Lima is open year-round and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It is located in the heart of Lima’s historic center at Plaza Mayor. The closest railway station is Desamparados. The cathedral is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm. Masses are typically held on Saturdays at 9 am and Sundays at 11 am.