Located on the perimeter of the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral or Santa Catalina was built at the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century. Its façade with two truncated towers is a fine and well-made example of Baroque art, adorned with beautiful Solomonic columns, niches and arabesques of different shapes.
Currently, it preserves the original main altar covered in gold leaf, a clock gifted by Ramón Castilla, as well as canvases and the impressive monstrance called “La Preciosa”.
Construction began in the 17th century. In the 18th century the cathedral bells were cast. Since 1908 it has held cathedral rank. On December 28, 1972, it was declared Historical Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru.
Its façade with two unfinished towers is a fine and well-made example of Baroque art, adorned with Solomonic columns, niches and arabesques of different shapes.
Over the years, the temple has received some modifications such as the exterior fence and its columns, the mechanical clock donated by President Ramon Castilla.
Inside the cathedral, its stone vaults and main altar stand out, with an altarpiece embroidered with gold leaf. Tradition says that this church was designed for the town's Indians, and that is why it was conceived with less magnificence than the temple of San Francisco. The columns on the façade, the ornaments and niches have a unique and highly elaborate decoration.
It is at one end of the Plaza de Armas and its green doors, with studs and knockers, are a symbol of the city. There are masses every day and abundant displays of sacred art. One of the main characteristics is its soft lighting, which gives it an aspect of great intimacy and reflection. It is dedicated to Santa Catalina and has been the historical heritage of Peru since 1972.
Appreciate the samples of sacred art. In the cathedral there are several canvases with paintings related to saints and biblical passages.
Observe the main altar. A colonial altarpiece covered with gold leaf is the center of the main altar of the Cajamarca cathedral. It houses images dating from the colony and is presided over by that of Santa Catalina.
Climb the bell tower. You can request permission from the sacristy to climb the church's bell tower, with its bells that date back to the 18th century and were cast in Spain.
Walk through the Plaza de Armas. The complex of the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral and the church of San Francisco is the heart of historic Cajamarca that every visitor should visit. In addition, there are other historical buildings and the square is decorated with gardens.
Appreciate the night lighting. One of the keys to the attractiveness of the Cajamarca cathedral is the nighttime lighting. Numerous spotlights and lamps have been located in strategic places to highlight the cathedral and its shapes. It is one of the most photographed images in the city.
By public transport. From any point in Cajamarca you can reach the Plaza de Armas either by taxi or motorcycle taxi. The Plaza de Armas area is closed to the traffic of these last mentioned vehicles, so they will leave you a maximum of one block away, charging a maximum of three soles for the trip, depending on the origin. Taxis can charge you between three and six soles for the trip to the Plaza de Armas.
In a private car. The cathedral of Cajamarca is on the Batán street with Amalia Puga street. If you are driving from the south you must locate the Bolognesi square, at the end of Héroes de San Ramón street, also known as La Recoleta. From the north you have to take the El Comercio road, which passes in front of the BBVA. There are several private parking lots in the surrounding area.
On private tour. There is a special tour that they offer leaving from the Plaza de Armas and that consists of walking through the main sites of the historic center. The local guides know every secret of the cathedral, and they will tell you which are the best places to take the best photographs. These guides do not charge a fixed fee, but leave it up to the will of each person who participates.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
