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Cajamarca Cathedral
Two churches face the Plaza de Armas: the cathedral is imaginatively illuminated in the evenings, especially on weekends. The cathedral is a squat building that was begun in the late 17th century and only recently finished. Like most of Cajamarca's churches, this cathedral has no belfry. This is because the Spanish Crown levied a tax on finished churches and so the belfries were not built, leaving the church unfinished and thereby avoiding the tax.
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Iglesia de San Francisco
San Francisco's belfries were finished in the 20th century - too late for the Spanish Crown to collect its tax on completed churches. Inside are elaborate stone carvings and decadent altars. At the entrance is an interesting collection of dangling silver sacred hearts. Visit the church's small Museo de Arte Religioso to see 17th-century paintings done by indigenous artists, and the creepy catacombs, where many monks lie buried.
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Plaza de Armas
This genial plaza has a well-kept topiary garden with hedges trimmed into the shape of Andean animals. The fine central fountain dates from 1692 and commemorates the bicentenary of Columbus' landing in the Americas. Come evening, the locals congregate here to stroll and mull over the important events of the day - a popular pastime in this area of northern Peru. Two churches face the Plaza de Armas: the cathedral and the Iglesia de San Francisco.
Showing 1-3 of 3 results
