Lima Catacombs and San Francisco Convent
The Lima Catacombs, known as the colonial underground cemetery, are one of the most impressive places in the historic center of the city. This site preserves a great deal of history and tradition dating back to the viceregal period.
During the tour, visitors can learn about the ancient burial system, which includes crypts, burial vaults, ossuaries, and central pits where the remains of thousands of people rest. In addition, the convent houses an important library with numerous ancient books, as well as valuable artistic heritage that reflects the influence of the Cusco School of painting and other historic spaces such as the refectory.
The Lima Catacombs: The Colonial Underground Cemetery
The catacombs of the San Francisco de Asís Convent, located in the very center of Lima, were excavated beneath this emblematic temple of the Peruvian capital. In this place lie the remains of thousands of people buried during several centuries of Spanish domination. Due to their scale and historical importance, they are considered one of the most important underground cemeteries in Latin America.
History of the crypts and the ancient burial system
The crypts of the San Francisco Convent are one of the most impressive areas of the complex. After their rediscovery in the 1940s, they were opened to the public. The site is formed by a labyrinth of underground galleries filled with human remains, arranged in a particular way. For some visitors this can be a striking experience, which is why the routes are now clearly marked to prevent tourists from getting lost inside the galleries.
What to see during the catacombs tour?
During the tour through the catacombs, visitors can observe different funerary structures such as:
- Burial vaults
- Ossuaries
- A central pit more than 6 meters deep
In addition, the guide explains the history of the convent, the use of the crypts, and the burial customs of the colonial period.
The San Francisco Convent and its artistic heritage
The San Francisco Convent is one of the most important religious complexes in Lima. It was inaugurated in 1672 as the main headquarters of the Franciscan Province of the Twelve Apostles of Peru. Inside the convent, important collections gathered over more than 400 years are preserved, including paintings, liturgical ornaments, religious garments, and other historical objects that reflect the cultural richness of the viceregal period.
The Franciscan Library: Thousands of ancient texts and literary treasures
The Franciscan Library is considered one of the most beautiful historic libraries in the world. Compared by some travelers to European libraries such as the Admont Abbey in Austria or the Strahov Monastery in the Czech Republic, this library houses approximately 25,000 ancient books.
Among its collections are rare editions, incunabula, and Franciscan chronicles from the 15th to the 18th centuries. It also preserves important works such as a 17th-century atlas, early dictionaries published by the Royal Spanish Academy, and the famous Biblia Regia printed in Antwerp in 1572.
In addition, thousands of manuscripts and parchments are preserved as part of the historical heritage of the convent.
The main cloister and the Seville tiles
The convent preserves the main cloister, where visitors can admire beautiful walls decorated with tile panels brought from Seville, Spain.
These tiles display colorful designs and repeating patterns typical of colonial art. Many of these panels depict scenes and decorative elements that have inspired historians and writers because of their artistic and symbolic value.
Cusco School paintings and the refectory
The Cusco School of painting had a major influence in Lima, and one of the most famous examples inside the convent is the painting of The Last Supper created by the artist Marcos Zapata.
In this artwork, a unique detail stands out: in the center of the table appears a guinea pig, a traditional element of Andean cuisine. This detail is interpreted as a symbolic cultural adaptation made by indigenous and mestizo artists. The refectory of the convent was the place where the friars gathered to share meals and maintain community life.
Plan your visit to San Francisco
Below are some important recommendations for visiting the convent and the catacombs.
Entrance prices and updated schedules 2026
Entrance prices start approximately from:
Adults: 20 soles
Students: 10 soles
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday
09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Public holidays
09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Is it necessary to hire a guide for the catacombs?
To better understand the history of the site, it is recommended to take the tour with a tour guide, who can explain in detail how the catacombs function, the history of the convent, and the cultural importance of the place.
However, it is also possible to visit and explore the place individually.
Safety and health tips
Inside the convent there are underground areas and narrow spaces, so visitors are advised to stay attentive during the tour and always follow the guide’s instructions.
Recommendations for people with claustrophobia
If someone suffers from claustrophobia, it is recommended to avoid entering the catacombs since some passages are small and enclosed.
Rules on the use of cameras and phones (Restrictions)
The use of cameras is restricted in some areas of the convent. Visitors are advised to take photos only in the areas permitted or indicated by the guide.
