Church and Convent of San Francisco

At a few metres of distance from the Main Square, this architectural group is erected. Is composed of the San Francisco Church, the Solitude Sanctuary, and the Miracle Chapel.

The Church of San Francisco is the most visited church in Lima and with good reason. Consecrated in 1673, built in 1542. The attractive yellow church is considered the best example of the "Baroque" style of architecture. The handsome carved portal would later influence those on other churches, including the Iglesia de la Merced.

Under the temple and convent there are underground galleries transformed into gloomy catacombs that served as a cemetery of Lima during the viceroyalty. Was the first cemetery of the city, these underground tunnels contains the bones of some 75,000 people. In many places the bones have been stacked in eerie geometric patterns.

Exquisite baroque-style carved-wood masterpiece in the Main Altar of the Church, baroque and neoclassical altarpieces inside, as well as the Main Cloister in the monastery. The temple has three naves, the central nave is known for its beautiful ceilings painted in a style called mudejar (a blend of Moorish and Spanish designs). On a tour, you can peruse the adjoining monastery's immense collection of antique texts, some dating back to the 17th century. There are remarkable things, such as the beautiful sacristy, wide windows and a rich pictorial collection. The convent has cloisters, plazas, library and living rooms. The portal is adorned with authentic Sevillian tiles placed in 1620. It has a "Museo de Arte Religioso" (religious art museum) and the room Zurbarán with the collection of the Apostles. Declared "Cultural World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. Restored few years ago with support of "Banco de Crédito del Perú".