Written by:
peru.travel
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
In this Page
Peru’s history is closely linked to the Catholic religion. As a result of this heritage, numerous churches and temples can be found in every town and village around the country. Some house amazing art collections and precious sculptures inside, while others stand out due to their beautiful architecture, which was often influenced by the different trends and styles of the time.
With a rich religious tradition, the city of Lima boasts a large array of temples, convents and sanctuaries that have been built over time by different orders such as the Dominicans, the Augustinians, the Franciscans and the Jesuits, among others. As you can see, one way to learn more about the capital of Peru and its history is through its churches, which hold countless secrets within their walls.
In the following, we will share some of the most important and widely visited churches due to everything they represent and all they have to offer.
Cathedral of Lima
Its construction began in 1535 and, five years later, it hosted its first mass on March 11, 1540. It has fifteen chapels inside, one of which houses the remains of the founder of Lima, Francisco Pizarro. It also houses an important museum with a valuable collection of religious art.
It is considered to be the most important church in Peru and is one of the most outstanding in the capital. It is located in front of the Plaza de Armas and the Government Palace, and is currently the site of magnificent Catholic events such as the Solemn Mass and the Te Deum, which are held every year during the Fiestas Patrias (Peruvian national holidays), led by the Archbishop of Lima.
Undoubtedly, the cathedral is one of the places you must visit on your tour of the historic center of the city. You will be captivated by its imposing beauty, and you will discover the important role that the Catholic religion played in the founding of Lima.
Its construction began in 1535 and, five years later, it hosted its first mass on March 11, 1540. Credit: Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú.
Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church
Measuring just 538 square feet, this small and colorful chapel, located in the center of Lima, receives a large number of visitors due to its high cultural value. It has a main altarpiece and the sacred image of St. Jude Thaddeus—considered the patron saint of work and the impossible—which is greatly admired by the Catholic faithful.
Due to its narrow dimensions (only 32 feet high, 16 feet wide and 39 feet deep), it is considered the smallest church in the world, which is why it is frequented by curious people and foreigners who visit the capital; however, when entering through its small entrance one is captivated by its unique atmosphere and energy. According to historians, "La capillita"—as it is known—was possibly the first temple to be built after the cathedral.
According to historians, "La capillita"—as it is known—was possibly the first temple
to be built after the cathedral. Credit: Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú.
San Francisco de Asís Convent
Built in 1535, this basilica in the center of Lima is a must-see due to its beautiful baroque architecture as well as everything hidden inside. And this place is famous for its gloomy catacombs: underground vaults that were used as burial places in the colonial era. It also has a large library considered one of the most beautiful in the world, which houses approximately 25 thousand volumes on theology, philosophy, history and literature, and a host of baroque works of art dating back to the seventeenth century, many done by the hands of famous European painters such as Pedro Pablo Rubens.
The convent also has beautiful gardens and courtyards with an impressive four-cornered main cloister surrounded by arches, decorated with beautiful tiles and paintings dating as far back as 1671, which narrate the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Church and Monastery of Las Nazarenas
Built in the second half of the eighteenth century, this temple is also one of the most widely visited and important, since it houses the image of the Señor de los Milagros (the Lord of Miracles), also known as the Cristo Moreno, Cristo de Pachacamilla or Cristo Morado. Every year, Las Nazarenas receives a multitude of visitors who come to worship the sacred image.
The origin of this fervor dates back to the 17th century. The story goes that a Congolese slave drew the image of the crucified Christ on an adobe wall in a small temple located in the neighborhood of Pachacamilla, in downtown Lima. With the passage of time, the work withstood several earthquakes and remained standing without suffering any damage. For this reason, the inhabitants of Pachacamilla, along with members of the general public, began to consider the image to be miraculous, since it was inexplicable that the strong seismic movements did not cause the adobe wall on which the image was painted to fall down.
Be sure to visit the different spaces of this beautiful religious precinct and contemplate the depiction of the most venerated saint by Peruvian Catholics.
Built in the second half of the eighteenth century, this temple is also one of
the most widely visited and important. Credit: Adrián Portugal / PromPerú.
Church of La Merced
This is considered to be one of the oldest and most beautiful religious temples in Lima. Its Churrigueresque Baroque style construction dates back to 1614, although it was partially restructured in 1746 after a large earthquake hit the city. Its current façade, made up of Solomonic columns, makes this church a true architectural jewel of great artistic and aesthetic quality.
Inside, it houses an array of altarpieces of different styles, highly valuable colonial sculptures and paintings, including the image of the Virgin of La Merced, depicted with both her arms outstretched, which is probably the most admired by visitors. Nowadays, many of the faithful visit this important temple to pay homage to and worship the cross of Father Urraca, who is believed to be able to grant miracles.
This is considered to be one of the oldest and most beautiful religious temples in Lima. Credit: Carlos Ibarra / PromPerú.
Church and Sanctuary of Santa Rosa de Lima
Located in the central Tacna Avenue, this temple is famous for having sheltered Isabel Flores de Oliva during much of her life, better known as Santa Rosa de Lima, considered the first saint of America. Inside, you can visit areas such as the hermitage where Santa Rosa would conduct her prayers and the room in which she received the sick. Likewise, in one of the areas there is an image of Jesus as a child, known as “El doctorcito” (the little doctor), with whom the Lima saint would consult with, it is said, in times of need.
Currently, the sanctuary receives thousands of visits every year due to the great fervor of the Lima faithful who come to the place to pray and leave letters with requests or thanks in the wishing well: a tradition that particularly comes to life every August 30, in celebration of the day of the patron saint.
Sources: RPP / Diario Correo / Museosdelmundo.com / Turismoi.pe / Limasabe.pe
Follow us on social media
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
