The catacombs were discovered in 1943 during an inspection of the building's structural integrity.
The library holds one of the most important collections of colonial-era books in South America, including 16th-century liturgical texts.
The building was constructed using 'quincha,' a seismic-resistant technique consisting of wood and bamboo covered in plaster.
The main facade features a carved stone portal that was sculpted in Portugal and shipped to Lima in pieces.
Bones in the catacombs are arranged in geometric patterns, notably in circular pits, to maximize space.
The convent includes an original 17th-century collection of paintings depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
The complex houses a significant collection of original musical scores from the colonial period.
The wooden ceiling in the convent's main cloister features Mudéjar (Moorish-influenced) craftsmanship.
The Basílica and Convent of San Francisco is a 17th-century religious complex in Lima's Historic Center, famous for its extensive underground catacombs containing the remains of an estimated 25,000 people. The architecture represents a classic example of Lima Baroque, characterized by intricate woodwork and a notable library holding over 25,000 ancient texts. The church and convent were completed in 1674, successfully resisting major earthquakes that damaged much of the surrounding city. Its catacombs were used as the city's primary burial ground until the early 19th century. The interior courtyard features Sevillian glazed tiles known as azulejos that date back to the 17th century. The site currently operates as a museum and functioning religious site, providing guided tours of the cloistered areas and ossuaries.
The central cloister courtyard featuring the 17th-century Sevillian tiling.
Join the mandatory guided tour to access the catacombs, as self-guided exploration of the underground areas is prohibited.
Bring a light jacket as the underground temperature remains significantly cooler than the surface.
Check the official website for group size limitations during peak tourism months.
Avoid taking unauthorized flash photography, as it is strictly prohibited to protect the historic artifacts.
Respectful silence is required; photography is prohibited inside the catacombs and certain areas of the library.
