Nine Things to See at Lima’s Cathedral, Lima, Peru (B)

I have seen many many Roman Catholic churches in my travels and I still find them both fascinating and baffling. For me, they conjure up a mix of emotions – admiration for the skillful art and carvings, appreciation for the simplicity and humbleness evoked by the smaller, simpler churches, and then utter disgust for the sheer richness displayed and the xenophobia symbolized. The Basilica Cathedral of Lima was no different for me.

This cathedral was originally built by the Spanish in the 16th century. It was built on top of a pre-Hispanic temple, to emphasize the ‘triumph of Christianity’. Due to a powerful earthquake in 1746, the building that we see today was built in the late 18th century. Today, the cathedral also houses the Museum of Religious Art.

Altar and Choir: Gold-plated main altar contrasts with the choir stalls, carved from a beautiful dark wood. Many biblical figures are represented here.

Carvings: The beautiful dark wood carries throughout the cathedral and museum and there are many carvings for which to look out. One that amused me was of a saint holding a demon by a chain around its neck. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).