Trujillo Cathedral 🇵🇪

Standing proudly in the Plaza de Armas, the Trujillo Cathedral—also known as the Cathedral Basilica of Santa María—is the main church of Trujillo, Peru. Originally founded as a modest mother church between 1535 and 1540, the structure underwent multiple rebuilds following devastating earthquakes in 1619 and 1635. The current cathedral was constructed over 19 years between 1647 and 1666, led by architects Francisco de Soto Ríos and Francisco Balboa, and was later elevated to a Minor Basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1967.

Inside, you will discover a sober interior featuring Rococo altarpieces painted in white and gold, along with artwork from the famous Cusco school of painting, including Leonardo Jaramillo's 1643 masterpiece, Cristo de la columna. A major focal point is the free-standing, Churrigueresque baroque main altarpiece covered in gold leaf—one of only two such exempt altarpieces remaining in Peru. Often referred to as the Sistine Chapel or the Vatican of the Coast, the cathedral earns its nickname from the beautiful paintings adorning its vault and dome.

Additionally, you can explore the Cathedral Museum, which displays a collection of colonial-era religious works crafted in gold and silver.

What to see at Trujillo Cathedral

• Marvel at the free-standing, gold leaf Churrigueresque baroque main altarpiece, one of only two in Peru.
• Admire the vault and dome paintings that earned the cathedral the nickname "Sistine Chapel of the Coast."
• Explore colonial-era gold and silver religious artwork inside the Cathedral Museum.
• View historic paintings from the Cusco school, including Leonardo Jaramillo's 1643 work, Cristo de la columna.

Visiting tips

Be sure to visit the Cathedral Museum during your tour to view its fine collection of colonial-era gold and silver religious artifacts.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Trujillo Cathedral is easy to reach on Trujillo’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Trujillo travel guide.