Basilica and Convent of San Francisco
Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, located in the historic center of Lima, Peru, is one of the most significant religious and architectural landmarks in the city. Founded during the Spanish colonial era, it stands out for its striking Baroque facade featuring rhythmic ashlar masonry and a wooden balustrade. Inside, visitors can admire a neoclassical main altar, the renowned catacombs, and a museum that preserves colonial art and artifacts. The complex includes a sacristy completed in 1730, which houses important works attributed to the workshop of Francisco de Zurbarán, and a spacious anteporterĂa with valuable paintings from the Lima school. The convent's cloister is a beautiful quadrangular courtyard surrounded by galleries with semicircular arches and decorated with 17th-century Sevillian tiles depicting Franciscan saints. The site was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope John XXIII in 1963, highlighting its historical and architectural importance. It remains a vital cultural and religious center, offering a glimpse into Lima's colonial past and Franciscan traditions.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the catacombs for a unique historical experience and to visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but checking the official website for updates and possible guided tours is recommended. The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Donations are encouraged to support preservation efforts and enhance visitor experiences.
Interesting facts
- •The convent's catacombs served as a burial site and are among the most extensive in South America.
- •The sacristy contains paintings attributed to the workshop of Francisco de Zurbarán, a famous Spanish Baroque painter.
- •Its cloister walls are decorated with Sevillian tiles dating back to 1620, illustrating Franciscan saints.
- •The facade is a prime example of Lima Baroque architecture, notable for its monumental and rhythmic ashlar design.
- •Pope John XXIII granted the church the status of minor basilica in 1963, emphasizing its importance in Catholic heritage.
History
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco was constructed during the Spanish colonial period in Lima's historic center, a city founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro.
It has survived multiple earthquakes, maintaining its Baroque architectural style.
The sacristy was completed in 1730, though its vault collapsed in the 1966 earthquake and was restored in the 1990s with Spanish government assistance.
In 1963, Pope John XXIII elevated the church to a minor basilica, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
The convent has long been a center for Franciscan evangelization and art in Peru.
Place Guide
Facade17th century
The church's facade is a monumental example of Lima Baroque style, featuring rhythmic ashlar masonry and a wooden balustrade atop the structure, creating a grand and elegant entrance.
Main Altar18th century
The neoclassical main altar is a focal point inside the basilica, showcasing refined artistic elements contrasting with the Baroque exterior.
CatacombsColonial period
Beneath the convent lie extensive catacombs that served as burial grounds during colonial times, offering visitors a mysterious glimpse into Lima's past.
Sacristy1730
Completed in 1730, the sacristy is a jewel of the convent, housing important paintings from the workshop of Francisco de Zurbarán and featuring a beautifully crafted wooden cabinet for liturgical vestments.
Cloister17th century
The main cloister is a quadrangular courtyard surrounded by semicircular arches supported by pilasters, with walls decorated by 17th-century Sevillian tiles depicting Franciscan saints, creating a serene and artistic atmosphere.
Contact
Phone: (01) 4267377
