What should you know before visiting the San Francisco Convent in Lima?
Before visiting the San Francisco Convent in Lima, there are a few key things to keep in mind. This 17th-century landmark sits in the Historic Centre of Lima, just two blocks from Plaza de Armas. It combines stunning colonial Baroque architecture, a priceless art collection, a historic library, and the famous Lima catacombs. It is one of the most complete cultural experiences the city has to offer.
What makes the San Francisco Convent One of Lima's most visited sites?
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is far more than a church. Workers began its construction in 1546 and the Franciscan Order completed it in 1672 as their main headquarters in Peru. Today it stands as one of the finest examples of Lima Baroque architecture in all of South America.
The convent forms part of Lima's Historic Centre, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site in 1991. Its iconic yellow-and-white facade attracts photographers from all over the world and ranks among the most recognizable images of downtown Lima. Step inside and you will find ornate wooden ceilings that craftsmen assembled without nails or glue, cloisters decorated with 17th-century Sevillian tiles, and an impressive library holding over 25,000 ancient texts in Spanish, English, and Quechua. Some of these volumes date back to 1571.
The complex also houses an extraordinary collection of colonial religious art. Artists from the renowned Cusco School contributed many of the paintings on display. Other works depict the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, and a striking version of the Last Supper draws visitors from every corner of the world. Each room tells a different chapter of Lima's spiritual and artistic history.
The best way to truly understand what you are seeing is by exploring this area with a knowledgeable local guide. At Free Walking Tour Lima, certified guides take you through the Historic Centre on foot and provide rich historical context before you enter the convent independently. This combination of guided walking tour and self-paced exploration gives you a deeper, more meaningful visit.
Are the catacombs inside the convent really worth visiting?
Without question, yes. The Lima catacombs are the most famous feature of the entire complex. The church used these underground passages as the city's main burial site from the colonial era until 1810, when authorities established above-ground cemeteries. Experts estimate that the remains of over 25,000 people rest here, making this one of the largest and best-preserved colonial cemeteries in the Americas.
Colonial builders constructed the catacombs using a network of brick tunnels and vaults built with lime and stone. Inside, you will find bone remains carefully arranged in wells that reach up to 10 meters deep. Workers organized skulls, femurs, and tibias in striking circular patterns. The experience is sobering, atmospheric, and genuinely unlike anything else in the city.
Local guides lead all visits to the catacombs in Spanish, with selected English-language tours available at certain times of day. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. The convent does not allow photography or video inside the tunnels. The passages are narrow and include stairs, so visitors with severe claustrophobia or reduced mobility should consider this before entering.
Popular legend holds that secret underground tunnels connect the convent to the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. Historians have never confirmed this, but the story adds an extra layer of mystery to an already fascinating visit.
Arriving between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning is strongly recommended. You will find shorter lines, cooler temperatures, and a quieter atmosphere. Joining a free walking tour in Lima before your visit is an excellent way to arrive at the convent with full historical context and make the most of your time inside.
How much does it cost to enter and what are the opening hours?
The convent opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with extended hours on holidays until 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices break down as follows:
Entrance Fees
- Adults (national or foreign): S/. 20.00
- University or technical students: S/. 10.00
- Children: S/. 5.00
Bring cash, as the ticket office does not always accept cards. You will find the entrance on Plazuela San Francisco, at the corner of Jr. Áncash and Jr. Lampa, approximately 8 to 10 minutes on foot from Plaza Mayor.
Getting there is straightforward. The Metropolitano bus drops you within easy walking distance of the convent. Wear comfortable footwear since you will walk through the church, cloisters, and underground tunnels. Leave large bags behind, as the catacomb corridors are tight and narrow.
If you want to make the most of your time in this part of the city, start your day with a free walking tour in Lima that covers the surrounding Historic Centre. Our guides give you the full picture of colonial Lima before you step inside the convent. Tours depart from Miraflores and professional guides licensed by Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism lead every walk. The tour operates on a tips-only basis and gives you a genuine connection with the city and its stories.
Visiting the San Francisco Convent in Lima is an experience that combines art, history, architecture, and mystery in a single location. Pair it with a guided walk through the historic centre and you will leave with a far richer understanding of the city than any map or guidebook could ever provide.