San Francisco Monastery
The Monastery is made up of the temple, the convent, and two churches. Completed in 1774, it’s famous for its library collection and haunting catacombs. The complex is recognized by its yellow color, Spanish baroque architecture, and intricate wooden carvings. The granite carved portal influenced the architecture of other churches. The convent’s library is renowned for its 25,000 antique texts as well thirteen paintings by Francisco de Zurbarán. Interestingly, a rendition of The Last Supper by Diego de la Puente depicts Peruvian dishes, such as guinea pig and chilis, rather than European dishes. Beneath the cathedral, thousands of skulls and bones are laid to rest in the catacombs. Secret passageways once connected the cathedral to the Tribunal of the Holy Inquisition. That’s not a trip anyone would have liked to make, but today it’s the monastery’s main attraction.
San Francisco Monastery
Address:
Jirón Lampa, Cercado de Lima 15001, Peru
Hours of Operation:
Daily 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
San Francisco Monastery
Entrance and tour: S/.7
San Francisco Monastery
Guided Tour Information
Tours into the catacombs travel to the edge of stone pits full of thousands of bones. The remains are stacked in a circular pattern according to bone type. Francisco Pizarro, conquistador of Peru and founder of Lima, is buried in the cathedral tomb. It’s a one-way trip through the catacombs (now doesn’t that sound ominous?), so it’s not for those who get claustrophobic or squeamish easily.
Entrance and tour: S/.7
San Francisco Monastery
What’s nearby?
Only a couple blocks away, the Plaza de Armas is surrounded by several popular attractions, including the Government Building, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, the Lima Cathedral, and the House of Peruvian Literature.
Buckingham Palace
Interested in touring Peru and visiting the San Francisco Monastery? We offer three different tours that explore this region.
Clink on the links below and explore the incredible country of Peru.
Best of Peru – 15 Days Best of South America – 21 Days Explore South America – 30 Days
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jirón Lampa, Cercado de Lima 15001, Peru | San Francisco Monastery |