{"id":1464,"date":"2016-03-29T09:54:53","date_gmt":"2016-03-29T13:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=1464"},"modified":"2018-01-28T14:48:18","modified_gmt":"2018-01-28T19:48:18","slug":"cathedral-of-lima","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=1464","title":{"rendered":"Cathedral of Lima"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2016 \u00a0Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Cathedral of Lima, dedicated to St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, presides on the eastern side of the Plaza de Armas and is truly a magnificent work of art, a far cry from its modest beginnings.<\/p>\n

It has been told that in January 18, 1535, the Spanish\u00a0conquistador and founder of Lima, \u00a0Francisco Pizarro placed the first stone, taken from an Inca temple located on this site, and carried over his shoulders the first log used in the construction of the Cathedral.<\/p>\n

Over the years, many earthquakes have necessitated the repairs and reconstruction of the Cathedral, most notably the earthquakes of 1746 and 1940. Still retaining its colonial structure and facade, it is important to note when entering the structure, the three large doorways, which are in keeping with the majority of cathedrals. \u00a0The main or central doorway is called the Portada del Perdon or the “door of forgiveness”. \u00a0Above the doorways is the Peruvian seal and the phrase “Plus Ultra” rather than Lima’s coat of arms.<\/p>\n

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Carved in stone and ornamented with exquisite details and decorations, the front of the cathedral is flanked by the two high towers with spires of slate which were added around 1800.<\/p>\n

After entering the cathedral and paying the entry fee of 10 sols, you are free to wander throughout the cathedral and the Religious Art Museum which is housed within the cathedral. \u00a0A guided tour may be taken or one can self-guide\u00a0through the Cathedral using the pamphlet dispersed\u00a0with the ticket.<\/p>\n

Due to the reparations stemming from the earthquakes, the interior is a sight to behold displaying\u00a0a mix of late Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassic elements. Beautiful vaulted ceilings, checkerboard flooring, a gold plated main altar and intricately carved choir stalls are most notable, however, taking the time to inspect each of the fourteen chapels is highly recommended. \u00a0A map is handed out to each guest, with your paid admission, detailing the side chapels. \u00a0One of the chapels, \u00a0opens on to Calle de Judios (Street of the Jews) and another on to the Patio de los Naranjos (Square of the Orange Trees), which is connected to the Cathedral.<\/p>\n

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The first chapel in the left aisle, holds the ancient baptistery. \u00a0Ancient pictures found recently in this chapel, have been restored and are on display for the public. \u00a0This chapel is followed by the Capilla de la Sagrada Familia (Chapel of the Holy Family) featuring figures of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. \u00a0I highly recommend spending a few minutes admiring each chapel’s unique qualities.<\/p>\n

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As you make your way to rear of the Cathedral, you will find your way to the Religious Art Museum within the old sacristy. \u00a0The museum displays a large collection of historical objects including painting, sculptures, furniture, jewelry, sacred vessels and religious vestments and robes of former archbishops.<\/p>\n

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Also at the rear of the Cathedral is a large crypt. \u00a0Many remains can be seen here, including a display of skulls in a glass-fronted niche. \u00a0Another oddity, a glass case situated in the floor, contains about a dozen or so extremely small coffins.<\/p>\n

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The tomb of Francisco Pizarro also is housed within the Cathedral as you walk in on the right hand side. \u00a0A most interesting story, the mummified remains of the conquistador were on display in a glass casket in the Cathedral of Lima for almost a century. \u00a0The remains were visited by Catholic and Spanish pilgrims and studied by historians. \u00a0Imagine the shock when in 1977, workers uncovered a casket engraved with the words, “Here is the skull of the Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro who discovered and won Peru and placed it under the crown of Castile.”<\/p>\n

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Another unique find within the Cathedral is a tea shop opened a couple of years ago. \u00a0When visiting La Teteria, visitors can choose from a menu of teas and nutritious baked pastries and breads. \u00a0While the tea shop is housed within the Cathedral, it can be visited independently by simply asking at the main doors of the church.<\/p>\n

Although I found the San Francisco Church to be much more impressive and beautiful, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Cathedral. \u00a0For the history buff and the architecturally obsessed, it is a must-see on your trip to Lima.<\/p>\n

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.com<\/p>\n

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Cathedral of Lima<\/strong><\/p>\n