Church of San Agustín, Lima

Basilica and Convent of San Agustín
Basílica Menor y Convento de San Agustín
Religion
Affiliation	Catholic
Governing body	Archdiocese of Lima
Location
Location	Jirón Ica 251, Lima
Architecture
Style	Churrigueresque

The Basilica and Convent of San Agustín (Spanish: Basílica Menor y Convento de San Agustín) is a Catholic temple located at the junction of the fourth block of Jirón Camaná (Lartiga Street) with the second block of Jirón Ica (San Agustin Street), a few blocks from the main square of the city of Lima, forming part of its historic centre.

Since its foundation, it has been run by the Augustinian friars, and belongs to the Province of Our Lady of Grace of Peru. A square of the same name is located across the street.

History

Its construction occupies the same place since its foundation, which occurred in 1573, has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes that occurred in Lima, and also because of the extensions and the rugged Peruvian political life. One of the biggest events was the rebuilding of the church after the devastating 1746 Lima-Callao earthquake that left damage to the structure and resulted in a restoration in 1751 of it.

In 1908 the tower was demolished.

Overview

The facade is a Churrigueresque baroque architectural overloaded with ornaments, carved in stone, which was completed in 1710,^[1] consists of three blocks and three bodies, being the central street of the first body which houses the door through which enters the enclosure. On this one has a vertical arc cornice, be determinative feature original of Peruvian Baroque architecture. In the niches of the facade are ten images in addition to St. Augustine is the center.

Its importance is that it is also one of the two Churrigueresque facades left in Lima, together the facade of the Basilica of La Merced. Of the ancient temple, has only been the frontispiece and the side walls.

See also

Pre-Columbian buildingsColonial buildingsOther touristic buildingsMuseums and theatresSquares and promenadesParks and zoosEducationHealthNearby areas with beachesFormer