Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima — Attraction in Lima Metropolitan Area

The tickets include a free tour in English or Spanish (we had to wait 20 min for the next English one). The people outside offering tours seem to be independent guides, which may be worthwhile if you want to choose one with good English or go with a smaller group (our group was about 10 people). The in-house English-speaking guide had a very thick accent that was a bit difficult for me to understand even as an experienced traveler who knows some Spanish, though she did make a valiant effort and seemed to be very knowledgeable.

No photos or videos are allowed on any part of the tour, even with your phone, and the guides enforce it if they see you (all the photos you see in recent Google reviews must have been taken sneakily by people breaking the rules). About half of the tour is focused on art, architecture, and the life of Franciscan monks, and the other half on the catacombs under the church - underground chambers with lots of human skulls and leg bones on display, some of which you can see as close up as you want (but not touch).

The art segment is pretty impressive on its own, with lots of paintings from the 1600s as well as some small contemporary art galleries. I every worthwhile way to about an hour or so if you're interested in any of those things. There's also a really cool 400-year-old library with centuries-old books on the shelves, which we saw near the end of the tour. You can't walk around in it - you just get to observe it from one end, but you can see it pretty...

The Basílica and Convent of San Francisco is an absolute gem in Lima's historical landscape. Stepping into this architectural marvel feels like a step back in time, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant past.

The stunning basilica, with its ornate façade and intricate details, is a sight to behold. The blend of Baroque and Moorish influences is awe-inspiring. Inside, the beauty only deepens, with remarkable chapels adorned with stunning religious art, creating an atmosphere of serenity and wonder.

The highlight, undoubtedly, is the catacombs. Exploring the subterranean tunnels and chambers is both eerie and fascinating. The bones arranged meticulously in patterns are a haunting yet powerful reminder of the past.

The guided tours are informative and engaging, shedding light on the history and significance of this place. The guides' knowledge and passion truly enhance the experience.

The library and museum add another layer of richness to the visit, showcasing priceless artifacts and historical manuscripts.

However, due to the popularity of this site, it can get quite crowded, so visiting early in the day might offer a more tranquil experience.

Overall, the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and anyone seeking to delve into Lima's captivating past. A true testament to the city's rich...

(credito al autor de la foto) El Convento de San Francisco es un lugar lleno de historia y misticismo que invita a sumergirse en el pasado colonial. Su arquitectura, sobria y elegante, es solo el comienzo de una experiencia que cautiva por su autenticidad. Durante la visita, los guías brindan una detallada explicación sobre cada uno de los elementos que componen este monumento, haciendo que el recorrido sea tan educativo como fascinante. Entre las maravillas del convento, destacan sus pinturas de una belleza única, aunque algo tétricas, que nos transportan a la época en la que fueron creadas, reflejando no solo el arte religioso, sino también las creencias de un tiempo.

Uno de los aspectos más llamativos de este lugar es la historia que se esconde detrás de sus muros. La figura de San Francisco y la orden de los franciscanos se entrelazan con las historias de los primeros pobladores de la región, lo que añade una capa más de riqueza cultural al recorrido. La presencia de estas historias se siente en cada rincón, como si el espíritu de los antiguos monjes aún residiera en el convento.

Sin embargo, lo más intrigante de este lugar son sus catacumbas. Este espacio subterráneo no solo es impresionante por su atmósfera solemne, sino también por las huellas que dejaron quienes descansan allí. Es curioso saber que la jerarquía entre los enterrados se definía por el nivel de donación a la iglesia: aquellos que aportaban más dinero podían ser enterrados más cerca de la imagen de su santo, ubicada en la iglesia superior. Esta particularidad le otorga al lugar un aire de misterio y reflexión sobre las costumbres de la época.

Visitar el Convento de San Francisco es, sin duda, una experiencia inolvidable. Cada pasillo, cada pintura, y cada historia compartida por los guías nos invita a reflexionar sobre el pasado, sobre lo divino y lo terrenal, en un ambiente que mantiene viva la memoria de aquellos que lo habitaron.

The Convent of San Francisco is a place full of history and mysticism that invites you to immerse yourself in the colonial past. Its sober and elegant architecture is only the beginning of an experience that captivates with its authenticity. During the visit, the guides provide a detailed explanation of each of the elements that make up this monument, making the tour as educational as it is fascinating. Among the wonders of the convent, its uniquely beautiful, although somewhat gloomy, paintings stand out, transporting us to the time in which they were created, reflecting not only religious art, but also the beliefs of a time. One of the most striking aspects of this place is the history hidden behind its walls. The figure of San Francisco and the Franciscan order are intertwined with the stories of the first settlers in the region, which adds another layer of cultural richness to the tour. The presence of these stories is felt in every corner, as if the spirit of the ancient monks still resided in the convent. However, the most intriguing thing about this place is its catacombs. This underground space is not only impressive for its solemn atmosphere, but also for the traces left by those who rest there. It is curious to know that the hierarchy among those buried was defined by the level of donation to the church: those who gave more money could be buried closer to the image of their saint, located in the upper church. This peculiarity gives the place an air of mystery and reflection on the customs of the time.Visiting the Convent of San Francisco is, without a doubt, an unforgettable experience. Each hallway, each painting, and each story shared by the guides invites us to reflect on the past, on the divine and the earthly, in an environment that keeps alive the memory of those who...