Convent of Santo Domingo: The Peruvian Saints and the Best View of Lima

The Convent of Santo Domingo is one of the most important historical and religious treasures of Lima and Peru. This complex preserves a great cultural and spiritual heritage, as it holds the remains of important Peruvian saints such as Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres, and Saint John Macías. In addition to its religious significance, the convent stands out for its architectural attractions, its historic library, and its famous colonial cloisters that preserve centuries of history. It was also in this place that the National University of San Marcos was founded in 1551, considered the oldest university in the Americas.

Religious importance of the Convent of Santo Domingo

The Convent of Santo Domingo is an important architectural and religious heritage site located in the heart of Lima’s historic center. This place is especially recognized for its connection to Saint Rose of Lima, the first saint of the Americas and the patron saint of Peru. Within its walls are chapels that preserve relics and remains of important religious figures. Among them are the remains of Saint Rose of Lima, as well as those of Saint Martin de Porres and Saint John Macías, who dedicated their lives to faith and service to those most in need.

Relics of Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres

The main relics of Saint Rose of Lima are located in the Basilica of Santo Domingo, where her skull is preserved. Other relics, including part of her bones, are kept in the convent museum. Some of these relics are also distributed in different parts of the world, such as the Philippines, the Netherlands, and Argentina. In the basilica, visitors can also see important relics of Saint Martin de Porres, considered the first mulatto saint of the Americas, as well as the almost complete body of Saint John Macías.

The tomb of Saint John Macías

The tomb of Saint John Macías is located inside the Basilica of Santo Domingo. This Spanish Dominican religious figure arrived in Peru in the 17th century and began his evangelizing mission around the year 1620.

His remains are displayed on the right side of the central nave of the church, where many visitors and faithful come to pay tribute to his spiritual legacy.

Architectural attractions of the complex

The Convent of Santo Domingo has several historic spaces that are part of its tourist route.

Among the main attractions are:

• The chapter house, where the friars held important meetings.
• The reception hall, used to welcome authorities and visitors.
• The main cloister, composed of four galleries decorated with Seville tiles dating from 1604 and 1606.
• The historic library of the convent.
• The second cloister, with a simpler architectural design.
• The chapel of Saint Martin de Porres.

The tomb of Saint Rose of Lima.

The tower of Santo Domingo: Climb up to see Lima from above

During the guided visit to the convent, it is also possible to access the tower of Santo Domingo, from where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Lima and even the Pacific Ocean near Callao. This point offers one of the best views of the historic center and is ideal for taking incredible photos of Lima’s urban landscape. Access to this area is usually allowed only for visitors over 18 years old.

The Dominican Library and its colonial cloisters

The Dominican Library is one of the most interesting spaces of the convent. It stands out not only for the historical value of its works but also for the craftsmanship of its ceiling and furniture.

This library preserves some of the oldest books used by the Dominican order in Peru. The convent also features colonial cloisters decorated with Seville tiles, characteristic of viceregal architecture. In the second cloister visitors can see a simpler construction where a Carrara marble sculpture representing Christ at the column stands out.

The chapel of the University of San Marcos (Origin of education in America)

The National University of San Marcos was founded through a royal decree granted by Emperor Charles V on May 12, 1551, at the request of Fray Tomás de San Martín, a member of the Dominican order. The university began its academic activities in the Convent of Santo Domingo in 1553, where it remained until 1571, when Viceroy Francisco de Toledo ordered its transfer and reorganization as a secular institution.

Practical information: Prices and schedules

Below are some important details for visiting the Convent of Santo Domingo.

Entrance cost for adults and students

The approximate entrance price is:

• General admission: 15 soles
• Senior citizens and university students with ID: 7 soles
• Schoolchildren aged 5 to 16: 2 soles

The ticket includes a guided tour of the convent. It is important to note that some areas of the tour, such as the tower, may have age restrictions.

Visiting hours for the crypts and the tower

General visiting hours

Tuesday to Sunday
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
There is also a night schedule from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., where visitors can explore the museum and admire religious art in a unique evening atmosphere.