Roavina

Place of worship · Lima

Cathedral of Lima

Catedral de Lima

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

Photograph

A photograph of Cathedral of Lima
Photograph · Wasiwatana · CC BY-SA 4.0
Today
Open today, 09:00 – 17:00
Visit duration
30 min
Accessibility
Partly step-free
Price
PEN 20.00 per person
Standing
Must see · Heritage site
Rank
Rank 11 of 14,581

Place details and sources

This place is a Place of worship. It was established in 1535. It was built in the Renaissance style. It was designed by Francisco Becerra. It carries the cultural heritage of Peru heritage designation.

Official website
catedraldelima.org.pe Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Address
Jirón Carabaya, 200, 15001, Cercado de Lima OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Wheelchair access
Limited OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Building
Cathedral OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Type of place
Place of worship OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Established
1535 Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Heritage designation
cultural heritage of Peru Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architectural style
Renaissance Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Religion
Christian OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Denomination
Catholic OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Architect
Francisco Becerra Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Wikipedia article
Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima Wikipedia · Checked 2026-09-09

About Cathedral of Lima

The Lima Cathedral Basilica, known locally as Basílica Catedral de Lima, stands as the principal cathedral of Lima and anchors the historic Plaza Mayor. This colonial-era basilica serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lima. The structure represents layered architectural development spanning multiple centuries since Spanish foundation. Its prominent position at the city's historic heart makes it a landmark of both religious and civic significance. The cathedral complex includes chapels and an associated museum of religious art. Yes. The nave has an adapted entrance, but crypt, chapels, choir and museum level changes prevent a complete step-free route. Yes. PEN 20. Yes. Yes. No. Francisco Pizarro's chapel and remains are part of the museum route. Cathedral museum visits generally operate Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-13:00; Masses, weddings and feast days take priority. Adult museum admission is PEN 20; worship attendance is free. The nave has an adapted entrance, but crypt, chapels, choir and museum level changes prevent a complete step-free route. The cathedral occupies Plaza Mayor's east side; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión station is about ten minutes away. Yes. PEN 20. Yes. Yes. No. Francisco Pizarro's chapel and remains are part of the museum route. Cathedral museum visits generally operate Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-13:00; Masses, weddings and feast days take priority. Adult museum admission is PEN 20; worship attendance is free. The nave has an adapted entrance, but crypt, chapels, choir and museum level changes prevent a complete step-free route. The cathedral occupies Plaza Mayor's east side; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión station is about ten minutes away. Yes. PEN 20. Yes. Yes. No. Francisco Pizarro's chapel and remains are part of the museum route. Cathedral museum visits generally operate Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-13:00; Masses, weddings and feast days take priority. Adult museum admission is PEN 20; worship attendance is free. The nave has an adapted entrance, but crypt, chapels, choir and museum level changes prevent

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The interior preserves a layered colonial character with multiple chapels, altars, and religious artworks accumulated across centuries. Visitors encounter ornate decorative programs reflecting successive periods of patronage. The cathedral houses an important collection of colonial religious art within its museum spaces. Notable interior elements include carved wooden furnishings and metalwork. The basilica contains crypt areas and memorial spaces associated with prominent historical figures. The layered construction reveals modifications and restorations undertaken over the building's long history. Religious services continue alongside visitor access. PEN 20. The cathedral occupies Plaza Mayor's east side; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión station is about ten minutes away.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

Most visitors allocate approximately one hour for interior exploration of the main basilica spaces. Those wishing to examine the religious-art museum in greater detail may extend their visit accordingly. The crypt areas and additional chapels warrant supplementary time for thorough appreciation. Self-guided pacing allows adjustment based on individual interest in colonial religious art and architecture. Visitors should factor Plaza Mayor context into overall time planning for this central historic district. Yes.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

Cathedral museum visits generally operate Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-13:00; Masses, weddings and feast days take priority. The cathedral occupies Plaza Mayor's east side; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión station is about ten minutes away. The nave has an adapted entrance, but crypt, chapels, choir and museum level changes prevent a complete step-free route.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

Adult museum admission is PEN 20; worship attendance is free. Cathedral museum visits generally operate Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-13:00; Masses, weddings and feast days take priority. The nave has an adapted entrance, but crypt, chapels, choir and museum level changes prevent a complete step-free route.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

The cathedral occupies Plaza Mayor's east side; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión station is about ten minutes away. Use the named entrance or stop because hills, security and historic streets change the approach. Francisco Pizarro's chapel and remains are part of the museum route.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

The nave has an adapted entrance, but crypt, chapels, choir and museum level changes prevent a complete step-free route. Yes. PEN 20. Yes. Historic surfaces, crowds and security remain relevant. Cathedral museum visits generally operate Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-13:00; Masses, weddings and feast days take priority.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Flash photography typically faces restriction in historic interiors to protect sensitive materials. Tripod use would likely require special permission if permitted. Exterior photography from Plaza Mayor presents no restrictions and captures the principal façade. Interior lighting conditions may challenge capture without appropriate equipment. Respect for active worshippers must govern all image-making behaviour. Crypt and chapel areas may carry additional restrictions. Confirm current rules with attendant staff before extensive photography. Adult museum admission is PEN 20; worship attendance is free.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Common questions

Is worship free?

Yes.

What is museum admission?

PEN 20.

Are Saturday hours shorter?

Yes.

Can Mass restrict sightseeing?

Yes.

Is the whole museum step-free?

No.

Whose tomb is inside?

Francisco Pizarro's chapel and remains are part of the museum route.

Where it is

Nearby

Within 2 min on foot
  • Archbishop's Palace of Lima 1 hr 30 min
    1 min walk

    Archbishop's Palace of Lima

    • Must see · Heritage site
    • Museum
  • Plaza Mayor de Lima 45 min
    2 min walk

    Plaza Mayor de Lima

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  • Museo del Banco Central de Reserva del Perú 1 hr 30 min
    2 min walk

    Museo del Banco Central de Reserva del Perú

    • High · Heritage site
    • Museum

Last updated:

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·