As Peruvian history proves, there have been a number of different inhabitants, religions and cultures over the years. Though each and every one of these cultures echoes throughout the country, one of the remnants that you are most likely to come across while you are walking Peru, are the impressive cathedrals, harking back to the days of Roman Catholic dominance.

Lima Cathedral

A baroque cathedral of enormous proportions, this cathedral is found in the Plaza Mayor of Lima and cannot be missed if you are on foot and walking. Peru’s influences are all around the cathedral, despite its Roman Catholic origins; almost certainly the most impressive element of a visit to the cathedral is to venture into the chapel made of colourful mosaics, which houses the tomb of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the man who conquered the empire of the Incas and founded the city of Lima. The most modern part of the cathedral, the altar, was replaced in the 1800s and features a somewhat more neoclassical style than the rest of the cathedral. However, the interior of the cathedral is impressive in its entirety, with delicate ceilings, chequerboard floors and intricately carved baroque furniture such as the choir stalls. Having survived several earthquakes, this cathedral still stands tall over the town of Lima.

Cathedral of Santo Domingo

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo, found in Cusco, rests on the same spot that was once the location of the Incan palace of Wirachocha. Once again heavily influenced by elements of the baroque era, the cathedral is said to have been over a century in the making and is partially formed of stones taken from the site of the Sacsayhuam