Iglesia de San Pedro

Iglesia de San Pedro Review

The Jesuits built three churches in rapid succession on this corner, the current one dating from 1638. It remains one of the finest examples of early-colonial religious architecture in Peru. The facade is remarkably restrained, but the interior shows all the extravagance of the era, including a series of baroque retables thought to be the best in the city. Don't miss the side aisle, where gilded arches lead to chapels decorated with beautiful hand-painted tiles. Many have works by Italians like Bernardo Bitti, who arrived on these shores in 1575. His style influenced an entire generation of painters. In the sacristy is The Coronation of the Virgin, one of his most famous works.