Church of San Agustín, Lima facts for kids
The Basilica and Convent of San Agustín is an important and beautiful old church in the historic centre of Lima, the capital city of Peru. It stands proudly in front of a square that shares its name, just a short walk from the main square, the Plaza Mayor. Since it was first built, the church has been cared for by the Augustinian friars, who are a group of religious people. It belongs to their special group in Peru, called the Province of Our Lady of Grace.
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Where is the San Agustín Church?
This historic church is easy to find in Lima. It's located right where two streets meet: the fourth block of Jirón Camaná (which used to be called Lartiga Street) and the second block of Jirón Ica (also known as San Agustin Street). This central spot makes it a key part of Lima's old city.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The Amazing Front of the Church
The front of the San Agustín Church, called its facade, is truly special. It was finished in 1710 and is a great example of a style called Churrigueresque Baroque. Imagine a very fancy and detailed style of art and building, with lots of carvings and decorations made from stone. That's what Churrigueresque is!
The facade has three main parts and three levels. The main entrance, where people walk in, is in the middle of the first level. Above the door, there's a unique arched shape, which is a special feature of old Peruvian Baroque buildings. You can also spot ten statues in little alcoves on the facade, with Saint Augustine himself right in the center.
Why the Facade is Important
This beautiful facade is one of only two Churrigueresque facades left in Lima. The other one is on the Basilica of La Merced. This makes the San Agustín Church very important for understanding the history of architecture in Peru. From the original old church, only this amazing front part and the side walls are still standing today.
A Look at Its History
Building and Rebuilding
The San Agustín Church has stood in the same spot since it was first built way back in 1573. Over the years, it has been rebuilt many times. Why? Because Lima often experiences strong earthquakes, which can damage buildings. The church also went through changes due to expansions and the sometimes difficult political life in Peru.
One of the biggest rebuilds happened after a huge earthquake in 1746. This earthquake caused a lot of damage, and the church had to be restored in 1751 to make it strong and beautiful again.
Changes Over Time
Later, in 1908, the church's tall tower was taken down. Even with these changes, the Basilica and Convent of San Agustín remains a significant landmark and a testament to Lima's rich history and resilience.
See also
- List of buildings in Lima
