The mural survived the catastrophic 1655, 1687, and 1746 earthquakes that leveled much of Lima's other colonial architecture.
The image of Christ is traditionally carried on a multi-ton silver litter during the October processions.
The original mural was painted on a crude adobe wall by a member of the local Angolan community in the mid-1600s.
Purple is the traditional color of the church and the devotees, adopted in honor of the Nazarene order.
The church was formally established as a sanctuary after the local authorities failed to erase the image in previous centuries.
The monastery attached to the church is strictly cloistered, housing a community of Nazarene Carmelite nuns.
Iglesia Las Nazarenas is the home of the Señor de los Milagros, a 17th-century mural of Christ painted by an enslaved person from Angola. The church serves as the starting point for one of the world's largest religious processions, held annually in October. The building, constructed in the late 18th century following a devastating earthquake, features a Rococo-style facade and a colonial-era convent. The interior preserves the original adobe wall fragment bearing the venerated image. The site functions as a pilgrimage center for the Brotherhood of the Lord of the Miracles. The architecture incorporates elements of Peruvian baroque design within the historic center of Lima. It remains an active place of worship with daily mass services. The surrounding monastery houses a museum dedicated to the history of the devotion.
The exterior facade from across the street provides the best view of the ornate architectural details.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the dense crowds that typically gather for weekend mass.
Respect the ongoing religious services by remaining quiet and avoiding the use of flash photography near the altar.
Explore the adjacent museum if open to better understand the deep historical connection between the mural and the city.
Do not attempt to photograph the main altar or the mural during active liturgical services.
Extremely high congestion and limited access to the main altar during the entire month of October due to processions.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; maintain silence and avoid walking around during active mass.
