The Museum of the Cathedral of Lima is a must-see attraction in Lima. Also known as the Basilica Cathedral of Lima, it is a Roman Catholic cathedral which is situated in the city's Plaza Mayor.
Built in the first part of the sixteenth century, this magnificent shrine of roman architecture will bring you in close contact with the true religious fervor of the Peruvian people and will acquaint you with the glorious historical past of the city from the time of the conquest and colonization of the country by Francisco Pizarro in 1535. The church has undergone many changes since its foundation but its basic colonial remains intact.
The Museum of Cathedral of Lima has exhibits from both the cathedral's own works of art, as well as from private collectors such as the Waldemar brothers and Shroder Matilde Mendoza who are the benefactors of the Church in Lima. As a result of these contributions, the public can appreciate today the valuable sculptures, paintings and ornaments within.
The museum has three large doorways. The central one is known as the 'Door of Forgiveness'. The Peruvian seal is placed right above the door with the phrase depicting the words 'Plus Ultra'. The two neoclassical towers on either side add to the splendor of the church.
The museum is divided into areas belonging to the Cathedral of Lima, which was built in the seventeenth century. This adds to the historical value and significance of the tour. In this regard, we should note the sacristy, where there is the collection of 12 paintings of the Bassano family, the old sacristy, which contains the large drawers and the chapter (meeting place of the City Council) which contains the famous gallery of archbishops.
The tour also includes a visit to the museum and its rooms and a visit to the whole Cathedral, during which you can see the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, the side chapels, the spectacular choir stalls (one of the most famous in Latin America), among other attractions that make the visitor acquire a comprehensive concept of the history and art of the Cathedral of Lima.
Schedules and costs
The Museum of Cathedral of Lima is open for general public at the following hours:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SATURDAY: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
COSTS:
ADULT: S /. 10.00 (ten new soles)
CHILDREN: S /. 2.00 (two new soles)
Guide service optional. The guides have language skills.
CONSULTATIONS:
Fax: 427 9647 - 426 7056
Email:catedraldelima@yahoo.es
BOOKS:
The museum has some books for sale which are listed below with their prices:
- 1.Antonio SAN CRISTOBAL
The Cathedral of Lima: studies and documents.
Lima: Religious Art Museum of the Cathedral of Lima, 1996. S /. 40.00
- 2.Lothar BUSSE and Fernando Lopez
Historical notes. Archive Lima Metropolitan Chapter.
Lima: Lima Metropolitan Chapter, 2000. S /. 20.00
The Museum of the Cathedral of Lima is one of the most popular museums in the country, a must see for every visitor who wants to get in close contact with the history, culture and rich artistic heritage of the Peruvian people.