Church and Convent of Santo Domingo

The Church of Santo Domingo is located a short walk northwest of Plaza de Armas in central Lima, built in 1540 on land given to the Dominican Friar Vincente Valverde by Francisco Pizarro. The church of Santo Domingo (is one of the oldest and most historic in Lima.

The church is famous in Lima for being the only one with a 'real' steeple, which in consequence of the construction over several stages has a very peculiar style. Inside the church are the oldest choir stalls of Lima, the tower has a peculiar architectural style; in the left altar is worshipped Virgin del Rosario, in the right side are worshipped the Peruvian saints Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres who was the first black saint in the Americas and San Juan Masías.

The worshipped the Peruvian saints is a magnificent neo-classical Altar, is decorated in turquoise and gold. The church boasts one of the most beautiful panelled ceilings in Lima. There is a beautiful statue made by italian artist Melchor Caffa of Saint Rose on display which was given to Santo Domingo by Pope Clement X. The silver urns that keep the relics of these saints are under each one of these images. The convent is one of the best-conserved in Lima.

In the monastery are tile mosaics which depict the life of Santo Domingo de Guzman, who founded the Dominican order. There is also a pleasant central garden.

The Santo Domingo Church and Convent, was the first headquarters and place foundation of the National University of San Marcos in 1551, which is considered the first University in the Americas, founded by the Spanish Crown.

Take your time and enjoy being guided through the convent with its amazing patios (Spanish: meaning 'back garden' or 'backyard). Admire the beautifully decorated walls with Spanish tiles from the 17th century and relax in the silence this place radiates.