Cathedral of Lima

The Cathedral Basilica of St John on Lima's Plaza Mayor was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro himself, who laid the cornerstone just days after founding the city. It is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Lima and carries the rank of basilica minor. Expanded over centuries, the building blends styles from Spanish Renaissance to colonial Baroque and had to be rebuilt repeatedly after major earthquakes, especially in 1746. A side chapel holds the remains of Pizarro, whose authenticity was disputed for decades and only confirmed in 1984 based on documented injuries. Inside, visitors can see 17th-century carved choir stalls, a museum collection of liturgical objects and several chapels with elaborate retables. The cathedral forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre of Lima.