Catedral de Lima

Lima's baroque twin-towered cathedral dominates the city's central Plaza de Armas.

The cathedral's elaborate colonial exterior looks intact, but it has suffered plenty of wear and tear over the years from earthquakes since its construction in the 1530s. Much of what you see dates from the rebuilding program of 1746.

Step inside the huge cathedral via one of its grand three doors and you’ll find a lofty white and gold interior with soaring ribbed ceilings, mosaic chapels and pillared aisles.

The cathedral's walls are lined with paintings, and the highlight of the chapels is the elaborate marble tomb of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who laid the cathedral's first stone in 1535.

Entry includes a guided tour and a visit to the cathedral's museum.

The cathedral is brilliantly illuminated with floodlights at night, and the palm-filled square in front is a popular meeting spot with seating.

Practical Info

The Catedral de Lima is on Plaza de Armas in the city center. A pedestrianized street runs south of the cathedral to Plaza San Martin, and Lima’s train station is two blocks north.