Peru remains a predominantly Christian country, with approximately 80% of the population identifying as Catholic. There are many churches in Lima, and they continue to play a large part in people's lives. Over the centuries many large cathedrals were built by Spanish colonialists. Two of the most famous
are described below.
are described below.
Cathedral de Lima
The Basilica Cathedral of Lima is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Plaza Mayor of downtown Lima, Peru. Construction began in 1535, and the building has undergone many reconstructions and transformation since. The architecture of the building, however, still retains its colonial structure and facade. It is dedicated to St John, Apostle and Evangelist.
The Cathedral was designed and dedicated by Francisco Pizarro, a spanish conquistador who conqured the Inca empire and established Lima.
The Cathedral was designed and dedicated by Francisco Pizarro, a spanish conquistador who conqured the Inca empire and established Lima.
Convento de San Francisco
Also known as the Saint Francis Monastery, this church was consecrated in 1673 and completed in 1774. The convent contains a world-renowned library containing 25,000 antique texts, some predating conquest. The building included Lima's first burial grounds, a maze of passages under the church forming the famous catacombs. This cemetary was used up until 1808 and is estimated to contain the remains of up to 70,000 individuals.
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