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Basilica Cathedral, Arequipa, Peru

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa ("Basílica Catedral", in Spanish) is located in the "Plaza de Armas" of the city of Arequipa, province of Arequipa, Peru.

Built entirely of ashlar, it exhibits a neo-Renaissance style with a certain Gothic influence.

In 1844 it was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in 1868 by the Arequipa architect Lucas Poblete.

Panorama of the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
Its façade consists of seventy columns with Corinthian capitals, three doorways and two large side arches.

  • It is topped by two tall, stylized Renaissance towers.

Panorama of the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
The earthquakes of 1666, 1668, 1687, 1784 and 2001 caused damage of varying degrees to the Arequipa Cathedral without seriously affecting its structure. After each earthquake, the damage was repaired and restructured.

  • But the earthquake of 2001 caused one of its towers on the left to completely collapse, but in 2002 the cathedral and the square were reopened due to the damage done in the earthquake.

Facade of the Cathedral seen from the west


Medallions on the facade of the Cathedral


View of the Chachani volcano, behind the Cathedral


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