The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-03-24
The City Of Lima.

There are o. churches IN Lima DeSlQcS
% chapels belonging to the converts,
monasteries, colleges and hospitals. The
convent of San Francisco, occupying
seven acres of ground, is the largest in
Lima. The churches and converts are
extremely rich, and many images OF the
saints are of massive gold or silver. In
these institutions are some of the finest
paintings of the Spanish school, but dur
ing the revolution most of the riches,
and many of the paintings were taken
away. They are all Roman Catholics;
no other religion is tolerated in Peru,
except in private houses. One-fourth Of
the inhabitants at one time, it is stated,
were monks and nuns.
The cathedral with the bishops palace
is on the east side of the plaza. 1t is $50
feet by 800 feet, and is unique and re-
markable edifce. 1t was built by Piz-
AFRO, whose tomb is in the crypt. At each
corner of the front is an octagOnal tower,
which rises 200 feet from its base, which
is 40 feet high. In the belfries are sew
eral fine toned bells, the largest weigh
ing "a, 720 pounds. 1t is divided into
three naves, paved with large earthern
tiles. The roof is beautifully carved and
paneled and is supported by arches from
. double row of stone pillars. The inte-
rior of this church is of astonishing gran
deur, and the wealth lavished upon it is
enormous. The gorgeous ceilings and
walls are finely painted and gaudily
and richly gilt. There are sew
eral affairs. The high altar is
supported by large columns OF the
Corinthian order, 20 feet high, and in
Guiding the facings, cornices, mouldings,
and balustrade and massive silver. There
are many valuable paintings and images
of the saints. &c. Some of the Madon-
mas have crowns of massive gold, and
otherwise decked with q profusion of
pearls and gems of immense value. There
are two very large organs, of excellent
tone, the pipes are of solid silver. AS in
Russian churches. there are no seats and
the congregation kneel upon small mats
they bring with them. The women wear
sbawls upon their heads, generally
black concealing nearly all the face.
There are five parish churches, besides
the Catholic. The church of San Do
mingo has one magnificent tower $50
feet high and from its top is a splendid
view Of the surrounding country; the
lofty mountains. the ocean, &c. At
tached to this church is q monastery
with large court and bronze fountain
in imitation of that on the plaza, but
not so large. The decorations of the in
terror of this church resemble the ca
thedral. The high altar is of solid silver.
1t has valuable paintings and the nu-
merous images are adorned with gold
and precious stones, supposed to exceed
in value even those in the cathedral.
The church of Santa Rosa, the patron
saint of Peru, resembles the cathedral,
also, in its interior decorations, except
that the altar, the images, etc., are dec
GRATED with profusion o. roses.
There is an immense amphitheater on
the magnificent park, on the Rimac, in
San Lazaro, where exciting bull fights
take place. 1t is 400 feet in diameter
with three tiers of boxes and can &C
commodste $1,000 spectators. There is
an amphitheater for cock fights, and the
public bath and cemetery are outside the
walls.
The government museum contains q
large collection of birds and animals.
Here are the portraits of all the Spanish
viceroys, beginning with Pizarro, who
has very dark complexion and rather
ferocious countensnce. Here il also .
protrait of Columbus with . noble, frank
counsenance and intellectual head. They
were painted proably by the best Spanish
artists of that age. There 10 great "
risty Of porcelain vases. jugs, etc.,,
rudely made 10 resemble birds, beasts