Basilica Cathedral of Lima

The Basilica Cathedral of Lima anchors the city’s Plaza Mayor, blending austere Renaissance lines with Baroque and Neoclassical details. Begun in the 16th century and rebuilt after earthquakes, it houses ornate chapels, a carved choir, and the tomb traditionally attributed to conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The attached museum displays liturgical art and artifacts that trace Lima’s colonial Catholic heritage. Visitors come for its architectural layers, quiet interiors, and historical context at the heart of the old city. It’s best paired with a walk around the plaza and nearby Archbishop’s Palace for a clear picture of colonial Lima.