The Church and Convent of San Francisco is a large monastery complex in central Lima. Its construction dates back to the 17th century, and its design is appropriately majestic. Part of the historical city centre, the monastery was made a UNESCO site in 1991. Bold, baroque and widely treasured, the Church and Convent of San Francisco is a true Lima landmark.
The San Francisco complex includes a convent, a temple, a catacomb, and two separate churches. These churches are named La Soledad (The Solitude) and El Milagro (The Miracle). When you approach the complex, you will be greeted with by its colonial yellow and white façade. This Spanish Baroque design harks back to the 17th century, when it was a popular style in Europe.
The church, which was built between 1673 and 1774, is dedicated to Saint Jude the Apostle. Look out the carved-wood central altar and the 17th-century Sevillian tiles in the corridors. After surviving a number of earthquakes, the church suffered some serious damage during a tremor in 1970.
Head to the catacombs underneath the church. This surreal underground cemetery is said to contain the bodies of some 75,000 people. Visitors who are easily made queasy will do best to wait outside, however, since some of the human remains are exposed and visible.
Explore the complex’s library, which is home to around 25,000 religious and cultural texts. Among these texts you will find a number that pre-date the Spanish conquest of South America. Don’t miss the prize exhibit, an edition of the Holy Bible from 1571.
The Church and Convent of San Francisco is conveniently located in central Lima, close by to public transportation as well as a slew of other tourist attractions. The complex is open from morning until late afternoon, and entrance costs a small fee. Guided tours are available.
