Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima
About This Museum
Did you know this place holds the bones of an estimated 25,000 people? That's the wild truth you discover beneath the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco in Lima. Upstairs, it's a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque, all carved stone and soaring domes that glow in the coastal light. But the real draw for many are the labyrinthine catacombs below, a silent city of femurs and skulls meticulously arranged in geometric patterns. It’s an unforgettable, slightly haunting look into the city's colonial past.
Collection Highlights
The underground catacombs are undoubtedly the main event, but don't rush past the main cloister with its stunning 17th-century azulejo tiles or the monastery's magnificent old library, which feels like stepping into another century.
Visitor Information
It's right in the heart of Lima's historic center, so you can easily walk to it from the Plaza de Armas. Just be sure to join one of their guided tours—they're the only way to get down into the catacombs and they're included with your entry ticket.
Architecture & Building
A stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture, built from a striking yellow limestone that has withstood centuries of earthquakes. Look for the intricate Moorish-style wooden carvings on the ceiling of the cloister.
