Cajamarca Cathedral (Santa Catalina)
Catedral de Santa Catalina
A facade of volcanic stone carved in ornate Andean Baroque style. The bell tower was never finished, because of colonial-era taxes on completed churches.
The cathedral was begun in the 17th century and completed in the 18th century. Its facade is carved from local volcanic stone with grapevines, angels and flowers, and is considered the finest example of Baroque stone carving in northern Peru. According to legend, the bell tower was never completed because Spain levied taxes on 'finished churches', a story that is also associated with other churches in Cajamarca. Inside is a gilded altar. The cathedral stands on the west side of the Plaza de Armas. Visitors can enter during Mass times. Please keep quiet and do not use flash photography.
Opening hours
Open during Mass times (mainly morning and evening)
Nearby sights
- Plaza de Armas of Cajamarca
- Ransom Room (El Cuarto del Rescate)
- Church and Convent of San Francisco
- Belén Monumental Complex
- Cerro Santa Apolonia
- Baños del Inca
- Layzón
- Cumbe Mayo