Founded in 1557, it is one of the oldest churches in Lima.
The structure displays a rare 'artesonado' ceiling, characterized by intricate geometric wood joinery.
It originally served as the center for the evangelization of the indigenous people living in the Magdalena Vieja village.
The church was declared a National Cultural Heritage site by the Peruvian government.
The interior altar is adorned with complex gold-leaf carvings that predate the Peruvian independence period.
Parroquia Santa María Magdalena is a historic Catholic temple located in the heart of the Pueblo Libre district in Lima, Peru. Established in the 16th century, the church is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the early colonial period. It features a distinctive Mudéjar-style ceiling, reflecting the Moorish influence common in early Spanish architecture in the Americas. The interior houses an extensive collection of 17th and 18th-century religious art, including colonial-era paintings and gilded wood altarpieces. The church is situated on a historic plaza, preserving much of the traditional atmosphere of the original Lima pueblo. Its facade has undergone several restorations over the centuries to maintain its structural integrity while preserving its colonial aesthetic. It continues to serve as an active parish for the local community, hosting regular religious ceremonies.
The main facade from the opposite side of the plaza captures the full colonial architecture.
Visit during the weekday mornings to explore the architecture without the crowds of a Sunday mass.
Walk around the exterior perimeter to observe the colonial-era masonry and original buttresses.
Take time to visit the adjacent plaza, which retains a traditional Lima district character.
Avoid visiting during active mass services if you are there for sightseeing, as it disrupts the local congregation.
Modest dress is required; keep noise to a minimum; photography is permitted but avoid using flash during services.
