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Ancient Peru had various polytheistic and pantheistic religions. The most important gods were Viracocha (lord, creator, and father of men) and Pacha Mama (Earth mother). The Sun, Moon, and such phenomena as lightning and mountains were also worshipped. Each culture raised temples to honour its local divinity. The Hispanic conquest of the Incas brought new religious traditions to the Andean area. The Spanish indoctrinated the Indians and spread Roman Catholicism, built hundreds of churches, and held fiestas for patron saints in each village. The people were not strict in their practices, however. Protestant sects have proliferated during the 20th century, and the Indians have mixed many pagan beliefs into the Roman Catholic rituals to produce a syncretic religion rich in traditions. Although most Peruvians are Roman Catholic, the constitution provides for freedom of religion. |
Small cemetery near Nazca | 
San Francisco Church And Convent in Lima | 
People sitting inside San Francisco Church And Convent in Lima |
Small church in Nazca | 
Cemetery for the poor in southern Peru | 
Interior of San Francisco Church And Convent in Lima |
Detail from San Francisco Church And Convent in Lima | 
Iglesia Angelica Peruana in Nazca | 
Statue of Virgen Dolorosa in San Francisco Church And Convent in Lima |
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