Iquitos Cathedral
Loreto
St. John the Baptist Cathedral, commonly known as Iquitos Cathedral, is the principal Catholic church located in the historic center of Iquitos, Peru. Built in neo-Gothic style, it stands at the intersection of Arica and Putumayo streets and serves as the seat of the local bishop. Construction began in 1911 following the demolition of the older temple, and the cathedral was inaugurated in 1919, with the tower completed in 1924. The cathedral is notable for its impressive 20-meter tower, which houses a public clock acquired from Switzerland, and a crypt containing the remains of early bishops of the Vicariate of Iquitos. Declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 1996, it is one of the best-preserved historic buildings in the city. In recent years, colorful lighting has been added to enhance its architectural features. The cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the city's identity and religious history, reflecting a rejection of neoclassical styles in favor of medieval Gothic revival architecture.
Planifica tu viaje a Perú con IA
Crea un itinerario detallado en minutos. La IA sugiere los mejores lugares, restaurantes y una ruta optimizada.
Consejo: Visitors are encouraged to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the cathedral's neo-Gothic architecture and the colorful lighting effects introduced since 2013. Purchasing tickets in advance is generally not required as it is a religious site, but checking for any special events or mass times is advisable. Discounts may be available for groups or religious pilgrims. The cathedral is accessible and located centrally, making it easy to combine with other visits in Iquitos' historic district.
Datos interesantes
- •The cathedral's public clock was imported from Switzerland and installed in 1925.
- •Its tower reaches 20 meters in height, making it the tallest religious structure in Iquitos.
- •The cathedral contains a crypt housing the remains of early bishops of the Vicariate of Iquitos, including Monseñor Sotelo Redondo and José García Pulgar La Torre.
- •The clock features Roman numerals with IIII instead of IV, a traditional style common in many European clocks.
- •Since 2013, the cathedral has been illuminated with colorful lights to highlight its neo-Gothic architecture.
Historia
The construction of the Iquitos Cathedral began in 1911 after the demolition of the previous temple, marking an important phase of urban architectural development in Iquitos between 1915 and 1940.
The cathedral was inaugurated on March 16, 1919, with its tower completed in 1924.
In 1925, a Swiss-made public clock was installed in the tower, alongside the bell tower and a metal cross at the pinnacle.
Between 1944 and 1949, the cathedral underwent expansions that gave it its current definitive structure.
It was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru in 1996, recognizing its architectural and cultural importance.
Guía del lugar
Main Nave and Altar1919
The central area for worship, featuring neo-Gothic architectural elements, stained glass windows, and religious iconography typical of the early 20th century.
Cathedral Tower and Clock1924-1925
The 20-meter tower houses a Swiss-made public clock installed in 1925, alongside the bell tower and a metal cross at the summit, serving as a city landmark.
Crypt
Located behind the main hall, the crypt contains the remains of the first bishops of the Vicariate of Iquitos, including Monseñor Sotelo Redondo and José García Pulgar La Torre, as well as Monseñor Miguel Olaortúa Laspra.
Contacto
Teléfono: (065) 234465