DESCRIPTION
The facade of the Cathedral of Lima is of Renaissance style with plateresque decorations. Its high towers with slate spire are neoclassical with stylistic influences of the Escorial school and northern Europe. It has 3 doors, as in most cathedrals. The main one (the one in the center) is called the Main Door, the right side is called the Baptistery Door and the left side is called the Door of Forgiveness. There are also 2 side doors, one facing the Calle de Judíos (right side) and the other facing the Patio de los Naranjos (inner courtyard annexed to the Cathedral). At the back of the temple (Calle de Santa Apolonia) there are two other doors: the door of Santa Apolonia and the door of San Cristobal.
LOCATION
Located in the Plaza Mayor, in the historic center of the city of Lima.
ATRACTIVOS
Ships
The Cathedral of Lima has 3 naves and 2 additional naves that open to the lateral chapels. Along the lateral naves there are large paintings of the Way of the Cross. Twelve paintings alluding to the twelve Apostles and the twelve articles of faith of the Apostolic Creed were recently placed on the columns.
Chapels:
- Chapel of Our Lady of Hope:
In the left nave we can see, in the first chapel, the old baptistery, with its baptismal font. There is a beautiful image of Our Lady of Hope (Virgen dolorosa), a sculpture that is part of the Marian processional group of Holy Week in this city and that traditionally presides over the Lent and Holy Week services. In the recent restorations it was possible to discover the old polychrome that covered the chapel, which is now exposed to visitors.
- Chapel of the Holy Family:
It belonged to the University of San Marcos. Formerly, the students received their academic degrees here. Presiding over the altar is an image of the Virgin of the same name (mid-16th century), patron saint of the University since 1627, and two wooden statues of St. Mark and St. Thomas Aquinas.
- Chapel of the Peruvian Saints:
The next is the Chapel of Peruvian Saints, presided over by the image of St. Rose of Lima, the first saint of America, along with those of St. Martin de Porres, St. John Masías and St. Francis Solano, all Peruvian saints. It was originally dedicated to the Lima saint shortly after her canonization, and was initially located in the now defunct church of Belen. Emilio Lissón (XXVII Archbishop of Lima), currently in the process of beatification.
- Chapel of the Immaculate Conception:
Dedicated to Our Lady of Evangelization, this is one of the few chapels that preserve its original baroque altar, since the others have neoclassical altars, after the reforms made by Presbyter Matías Maestro and later the restoration in the decade of 1890.
- Chapel of the Virgin of Peace:
Continuing along the nave, there is the Chapel of the Virgin of Peace, where the Blessed Sacrament is currently reserved. On the left wall there is a painting of St. John the Evangelist, patron of the Cathedral, giving Communion to the Virgin; and on the right is the tomb of the Servant of God Fray Francisco Camacho.
- Choir stalls:
The impressive choir stalls, currently flanking the main altar, were made by Pedro de Noguera in the 18th century. On the backs of the choir stalls we see figures of numerous saints (Apostles, Doctors, Popes, Bishops, virgins, etc.). The choir was formerly located in front of the main altar (similar to the position of the Cathedral of Mexico City). In the back of the Chair (which is located in the left armchair, under the canopy) is the figure of the Redeemer. The main altarpiece, of neoclassical style, is presided by an Immaculate Conception. Under the presbytery is the crypt of the Archbishops, where are the remains of almost all the pastors of this city, from Jerónimo de Loayza (the first) to Cardinal Augusto Vargas Alzamora, the last to die.
- Crypt of Francisco Pizarro:
This crypt is completely covered with mosaics allusive to the Conquest. In one of the walls the coat of arms of Lima can be appreciated. In the sarcophagus it is seen that the head is separated from the body, possibly detached by multiple manipulations to which the remains were exposed.
- Chapel of San Juan Bautista:
Formerly Chapel of Santa Ana. In the left wall is the tomb of Nicolás de Ribera the old, first mayor of Lima. Its altarpiece is one of the most beautiful of this temple, its style is of baroque-neoclassical transition.
SCHEDULE
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost:
Adults: S/. 10.00 | Children: S/. 2.00
Note: Optional guide service. The guides are fully
