The Cathedral of Piura stands on the east side of the Plaza de Armas and is the oldest surviving church in the city. The current building dates from 1588, though it has been rebuilt and restored several times after earthquakes and floods. The most striking feature of the interior is the gold-covered main altar — an elaborate baroque retable that catches the light from the nave windows and draws the eye immediately upon entering.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel and remains an active parish church, with masses held throughout the day. It is free to enter and the interior is worth a look even for non-religious visitors: the side chapels contain colonial paintings and carved wooden saints that give a sense of the region's Spanish Catholic heritage. Go on a Sunday morning to catch it at its most animated.