San Francisco Church and Convent - Victorian Ladies, houses in San Francisco
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San Francisco Church and Convent

4.6
·270 reviews·Cusco, Peru

A 16th-century marvel with stunning Baroque architecture, intricate carvings, and a fascinating underground catacomb.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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San Francisco Church and Convent - Victorian Ladies, houses in San Francisco

San Francisco Church and Convent

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century marvel with stunning Baroque architecture, intricate carvings, and a fascinating underground catacomb.

4.6
(270 reviews)

"The craftsmanship and details are amazing; explore every nook and cranny!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Guided Tour is Key

Get an English brochure or join a tour to truly appreciate the history and details.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Every Nook

Don't miss hidden gems; many impressive sites aren't immediately obvious.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Franciscan Family Tree Canvas

Franciscan Family Tree Canvas

Main Hall

Marvel at the intricate canvas depicting the Franciscan family tree, a unique artistic and historical masterpiece.

Convent Catacombs

Convent Catacombs

Underground

Descend into the mysterious catacombs, a chilling yet fascinating glimpse into the convent's historical burial grounds.

Carved Choir Area

Carved Choir Area

Church Interior

Admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the carved choir area, showcasing detailed woodwork and artistic flair.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

To experience the San Francisco Church and Convent's peaceful ambiance, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Avoid midday crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons, to fully appreciate the intricate details and serene atmosphere. Consider visiting on weekdays for a less crowded experience.

Navigating Entry and Tours

Tickets are typically purchased on-site, and wait times can vary. Opting for a guided tour, even with a basic English brochure, is highly recommended to understand the rich history and intricate details of the convent and catacombs. Be prepared for a small entry fee.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, peaceful
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This was hands down one of the most peaceful visits so far! Getting to pray the rosary in the rosary garden was my personal favorite, but they definitely had a well stocked gift shop too 😂 would you make a trip out to this shrine?? #catholic #littlepilgrimproject #fatima #jesuslovesyou #contentcreator
@morgan.hurlock
9.3K likes • 168.1K views

🎯 Guided Tour is Key

Get an English brochure or join a tour to truly appreciate the history and details. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Every Nook

Don't miss hidden gems; many impressive sites aren't immediately obvious. Reddit

Saint Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco — nicknamed the “Two O’Clock Titty” for the breast-shaped shadow cast by its roof each afternoon. #boobitecture #architecture #brutalism #midcenturymodern #sanfrancisco
@boobitecture_
6.8K likes • 60.1K views
Birds visiting Church and Convent of San Francisco, Lima 😊 -------------------------------------------------- . . #samuelcolomboadventures #lima #peru #perú #perù #perulima #perúlima #limaperu #limafoto #limaperú #iglesiasanfrancisco #conventosanfrancisco #birds #sanfrancisco #birdsofinstagram #iglesiasanfranciscolima
samuelcolomboadventures
52 likes • 2.3K views

💰 Entry Fee Required

Expect a small fee for entry and guided tours. Reddit

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the beauty, but be mindful of the sacred space. Instagram

A grill on the floor of the The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco leads to the catacombs below . #peru #lima #church #basilica #sanfranciscochurchlima #convent #catacombs
jeromeingaroundtoronto
49 likes • 653 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Guided Tour is Key

Get an English brochure or join a tour to truly appreciate the history and details. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Every Nook

Don't miss hidden gems; many impressive sites aren't immediately obvious. Reddit

💰 Entry Fee Required

Expect a small fee for entry and guided tours. Reddit

📸 Respectful Photography

Capture the beauty, but be mindful of the sacred space. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(270 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the intricate craftsmanship and historical depth of the San Francisco Church and Convent, particularly its ornate interiors and the fascinating catacombs. While the entry fee is considered reasonable, some wish for more detailed information beyond basic brochures. The peaceful ambiance and the sense of history make it a highly recommended stop in Lima.

"I loved watching people go about their morning but still to genuflect at the Church before hurrying on. It shows how central this peaceful place is to lives of ordinary Cusco natives. It's a beautiful place to boot"

Kurleigh Martin

"It costs 15 sole to have a guided tour. While the inside is fantastic. The garden where you can take photos is not that impressive. We wait about 10 minutes in the entrance for getting more people to start the tour."

Ryan Huang

"I stand in awe and silence while walking down the alley of this place"

Jean-François De Wolfe

What People Like

Intricate craftsmanship
Fascinating catacombs
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Limited English info
Garden not impressive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The San Francisco Church and Convent is located in the historic center of Lima, Peru. You can easily reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services from most parts of the city. Many visitors also choose to walk if they are staying nearby in the Miraflores or Barranco districts, though it's a significant walk. Public buses also serve the historic center, but can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors. Instagram+1

Parking in the historic center of Lima can be challenging due to narrow streets and high traffic. It's generally recommended to use taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. If you do drive, look for paid parking lots in the vicinity, but be prepared for potential delays. Instagram

While it's possible to walk from Miraflores to the San Francisco Church and Convent, it's a considerable distance (around 7-10 miles or 11-16 km) and can take 2-3 hours. It's more practical to take a taxi, Uber, or a local bus to reach the historic center. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for the San Francisco Church and Convent is typically around 10-15 soles per person. This usually includes access to the church, convent, and catacombs, and sometimes a basic English brochure. Reddit

Tickets for the San Francisco Church and Convent are generally purchased on-site upon arrival. While advance booking isn't usually necessary, it's wise to check their official website or contact them directly for any specific group or special event ticketing requirements. Reddit

The San Francisco Church and Convent is typically open daily, with hours often extending from morning until late afternoon. It's best to verify the exact opening and closing times closer to your visit, as they can sometimes vary. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended and usually available. While some tours may be in Spanish, English brochures are often provided, and guides can offer valuable insights into the history and architecture. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally permitted inside the San Francisco Church and Convent, but it's important to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Some areas might have restrictions, so always observe any posted signs. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a beautifully decorated church with a stunning carved choir area, an impressive library, and the intriguing catacombs beneath. Don't miss the unique canvas depicting the Franciscan family tree. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Visitors consistently praise the intricate craftsmanship and historical significance of the convent and its catacombs. It offers a unique glimpse into Lima's colonial past. InstagramReddit

A self-guided tour can take about an hour, but with a guided tour and time to explore thoroughly, plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the site. Reddit

The catacombs are a historical burial site and can be a bit eerie, but most visitors find them fascinating rather than frightening. The experience is more about historical discovery than a scare. Instagram

Established in the 16th century, it was once one of the largest religious complexes in Lima and holds significant historical and architectural importance, showcasing colonial artistry and religious history. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the historic center of Lima is brimming with dining options, from traditional Peruvian eateries to cafes. You can easily find places to eat before or after your visit. Instagram

Food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the church and convent to preserve the historical artifacts and maintain a respectful atmosphere. There are designated areas outside or nearby for dining. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The intricately carved choir, the grand facade of the church, and the atmospheric catacombs offer excellent photo opportunities. The courtyard with birds can also be picturesque. Instagram+1

Photography is usually allowed in the catacombs, but always check for any specific restrictions. The dim lighting can create dramatic shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting the San Francisco Church and Convent will find a mix of historical intrigue and visual appeal. The catacombs can be a fascinating, albeit slightly spooky, adventure for older children, offering a unique history lesson. The ornate interiors and the Franciscan family tree canvas can spark curiosity about art and history. Instagram+1

Keep in mind that the site is a place of worship and historical significance, so encourage children to be respectful. The entry fee is reasonable, and a basic English brochure can help make the experience more engaging for younger visitors. Consider a shorter, self-guided visit if your children have shorter attention spans.

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is a treasure trove. Its establishment in 1530 and subsequent rebuilding make it a living chronicle of Lima's colonial past. The impressive library with its ancient texts and the detailed architectural elements offer deep insights into 16th and 18th-century religious and civic life. Instagram

The catacombs provide a tangible connection to historical burial practices, and the Franciscan family tree canvas is a unique genealogical and artistic artifact. Engaging with a guided tour or a detailed brochure is essential to fully grasp the historical context and significance of each element within the complex. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture

The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco in Lima, Peru, is a testament to colonial architecture and religious history. Established in 1530, it quickly became one of the city's most significant religious complexes. Over the centuries, it has endured damage from earthquakes, with the current church structure dating back to 1702, rebuilt by Diego de Porres after severe damage in earlier quakes. The convent's enduring presence highlights the resilience of its construction and its importance in the city's development. Instagram

The architectural style is predominantly Baroque, evident in its ornate facades and detailed interiors. Inside, visitors are struck by the intricately carved choir stalls and the impressive library, which houses thousands of ancient texts. The catacombs, a network of tunnels beneath the convent, served as a burial ground for thousands of friars and citizens, offering a somber yet fascinating historical perspective. Instagram

Beyond its religious function, the convent has also been a center of learning and art. The Franciscan family tree canvas is a unique artistic representation of the order's lineage, showcasing the convent's role in preserving historical and genealogical records. The courtyard, often visited by birds, adds a touch of natural beauty to the historical site. Instagram

Exploring the Catacombs

The catacombs beneath the San Francisco Church and Convent are one of its most compelling attractions. These underground tunnels served as the final resting place for an estimated 25,000 individuals, primarily friars and prominent citizens of colonial Lima. Walking through these dimly lit passages offers a profound and somewhat chilling connection to the past. Instagram

Access to the catacombs is typically part of the guided tour or self-guided exploration of the convent. Visitors are often given a brief explanation of their historical significance and the practices surrounding burial during that era. The sheer scale of the ossuary is impressive, with bones meticulously arranged in alcoves and patterns. Instagram

While the catacombs are a historical site, they are managed to ensure visitor safety and respect. The atmosphere is one of historical reverence rather than outright fear, though the experience can be intense for some. It's a crucial part of understanding the convent's long history and its role in the community. Instagram

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