The catacombs are estimated to contain the remains of approximately 25,000 individuals.
The building features a notable 'mudéjar' dome constructed from cedar wood, which survived several major earthquakes.
The library holds a 1571 edition of the 'Lexicon' or 'Vocabulario' by Fray Domingo de Santo Tomás, the first dictionary of the Quechua language.
The subterranean tunnels are thought to have connected the convent to other major religious buildings and the Presidential Palace in central Lima.
The floor tiles were imported from Seville, Spain, in the 17th century.
The Museo del Convento de San Francisco y Catacumbas is a 17th-century religious complex in Lima renowned for its extensive subterranean ossuary. It features a notable library containing approximately 25,000 antique texts, including some of the first books printed in Spain. The church and convent were constructed following the 1656 earthquake using a blend of Baroque and Mudéjar architectural styles. Visitors gain access to the catacombs, which served as Lima's primary cemetery until 1808. The site houses a significant collection of colonial-era religious art, including a series of paintings depicting the Passion of Christ. Guided tours are mandatory for accessing the catacombs and the library. The complex remains an active religious site managed by the Franciscan Order.
The central cloister courtyard with its ornate tilework and blue-painted wooden balconies.
Guided tours are mandatory; check the language options upon arrival.
The catacombs are underground with limited airflow and can feel damp.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the library and the catacomb chambers.
Do not attempt to stray from the guided tour group, as the catacomb pathways are labyrinthine.
Open daily, including weekends and most public holidays, unless specified by special religious observances.
Maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor as this is an active convent; avoid wearing overly casual beachwear.
