Monastery of San Francisco: Lima's Colonial Gem

The Monastery of San Francisco in Lima sits two blocks northeast of Plaza Mayor, at the corner of Jr. Lampa and Jr. Ancash, and welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Admission to the museum and catacombs costs around 20 soles (about US$5), while the church itself is free to enter — but the real draw is the guided tour that takes you through a 17th-century convent, a library of 25,000 antique books, and a subterranean ossuary holding the remains of tens of thousands of people.

A Complex Rooted in Lima's History

Architecture and Layout

Completed in 1774 after nearly a century of construction, the monastery survived major earthquakes in 1687, 1746, and 1970 — each time rebuilt or reinforced. The church facade mixes Spanish Baroque with Moorish elements, and inside, the carved cedar choir stalls and the domed ceiling covered in mudéjar-style geometric patterns are the details most visitors remember. Two smaller churches, La Soledad and El Milagro, share the complex, though they are not always open to the public.

The convent's cloisters are lined with 1620 Seville tiles, and the central courtyard garden offers a quiet contrast to the traffic outside. Allow at least 1.5 hours to see the church, the museum rooms, and the catacombs at a relaxed pace; the guided tour alone runs about 45 minutes.

The Library and Art Collection

The library holds more than 25,000 volumes dating from the 16th to the 20th century, including Spanish, English, and Quechua texts. Among the notable pieces is a 1696 painting of the Last Supper by Diego de la Puerta, displayed in the refectory. The collection also includes religious paintings, sculpture, and silverwork from the colonial period.

Photography is not allowed inside the museum or the church. That rule is enforced, so leave the camera in your bag and pay attention to the guide — the stories about the library's sealed sections and the monks' daily routines are worth hearing.

Practical Details for Your Visit

Getting There

The monastery is a 5-minute walk from the Desamparados railway station and about 10 minutes on foot from Plaza Mayor. If you're coming from Miraflores, the Blue Corridor bus takes roughly 50 minutes; from Jorge Chávez International Airport, allow an hour by taxi or bus. Several public bus lines stop within a 4- to 5-minute walk, including routes along Jr. Junín and Jr. Amazonas.

Taxis from Miraflores cost around 15–20 soles one way. The area around the monastery is busy during the day, and the sidewalks on Jr. Ancash are narrow — watch your step and keep an eye on your belongings.

Tickets and Opening Hours

The monastery is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00, including holidays. The last guided entry is usually around 16:45, so don't arrive after 16:30 expecting to join a tour. Tickets for the museum and catacombs can be purchased at the ticket office; the fee is 20 soles for adults, with discounts for students and children. Note that fees are subject to change — check the official site or ask at the ticket window for current rates.

Guided tours are offered in English and Spanish every half hour or so, depending on demand. If you don't want a tour, you can still walk into the church for free, but you cannot access the catacombs or the library without a guide.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive between 9:00 and 11:00 on a weekday for the smallest crowds. Weekends are busier, especially from noon to 6:00 p.m., when tour groups from the cruise ships and city tours converge. The light in the cloisters is also softer in the morning, which makes the tiles and the carved woodwork easier to photograph (where allowed).

Avoid rainy days if you can — the historic center's streets flood quickly, and the monastery's stone floors become slippery. Lima's summer (December to April) brings clear skies but also higher temperatures; carry water.

Rules and Etiquette

Modest attire is required: knees, shoulders, and midriffs must be covered. Shorts and capri pants are not allowed inside the church or the convent. Claustrophobic visitors should note that the catacombs are narrow and low in places, and the stairs are steep. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea, as the stone floors are uneven.

Photography and video are prohibited inside the museum, church, and catacombs. Flash photography is specifically banned. Groups are asked to keep their voices down in the cloisters, as parts of the convent are still used by the Franciscan community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit the Monastery of San Francisco?

Admission to the museum and catacombs is 20 soles for adults, with reduced rates for students and children. The church is free if you skip the guided tour. Bring cash, as cards are not always accepted at the ticket office.

Are guided tours available in English?

Yes, tours are offered in both English and Spanish, typically every 30 minutes. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and covers the church, the library, the cloisters, and the catacombs. Arrive early in the day to secure a spot on an English tour without a long wait.

Is photography allowed inside?

No, photography and video are not permitted inside the church, museum, or catacombs. This rule is strictly enforced. You can take photos in the courtyard and outside the complex.

What should I wear?

Modest clothing is required: cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid shorts or capri pants. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended because of uneven stone floors and steep stairs in the catacombs.

How long does a visit take?

Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to see the church, museum, and catacombs without rushing. The guided tour itself is about 45 minutes, but you'll want extra time to explore the cloisters and the courtyard garden.