Source: WTL photo of the Lima Cathedral on one side of the Plaza Mayor.
Comments: This cathedral, one of the architectural gems of Latin America, has been destroyed by earthquakes in 1609, 1615, 1687, 1746, and 1940. It was begun, however, in 1535. Its original design has been preserved more or less during each phase of rebuilding. However, the yellow façade is due to an 18th century plan to brighten up Lima's dusty exteriors, which are due to the dry desert climate and the garúa (fog). The towers are modelled on the style of the Catedral de Sevilla (Spain), with a modified Moorish look; whereas the central panel and the door area at the left are Spanish baroque. One of this cathedral's major humanities treasures is its beautiful interior, with its typically excellent intricate Spanish carving of the wooden choir seats.