Basílica and Convent of San Francisco

Exploring the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco takes a little planning—especially for travelers hoping to see its legendary catacombs or catch a quiet moment in the lush courtyards. The landmark rests in Lima’s historic center, making it easy to reach yet sometimes crowded, especially during weekends or local festivals. Tickets to the main areas and guided tours can be bought at the entrance, though wait times grow during peak hours. The complex itself feels manageable in size, but the network of tunnels and chapels means there’s much more below ground than first appears.

• Best time to visit: Early mornings on weekdays offer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Late afternoons can be peaceful too, mainly outside of public holidays.
• How to get there: Taxis and ride shares are reliable and inexpensive from most Lima neighborhoods. For a local flavor, the Metropolitano bus stops a five-minute walk away at Jirón Lampa Station.
• Accessibility: The main church floor is accessible for most visitors. However, the catacombs involve stairs and narrow passages, making them difficult for strollers or visitors with limited mobility.
• Average visit duration: Plan on 60-90 minutes for a full tour, longer if curious about art or wishing to linger in the peaceful cloisters.

The Basílica’s yellow-and-white façade, with its sturdy twin towers and wooden balconies, sets the stage for a mix of grandeur and intimacy. The scent of centuries-old wood and beeswax greets arrivals in the main sanctuary, where gilded altars and colorful frescos reward slow attention. The convent itself reveals quiet courtyards shaded by oranges and palms. Beneath the surface, Lima’s most famous catacombs offer a dramatic view into history, lined with bones arranged in geometric patterns. Yet, smaller touches—hand-painted tiles, library shelves heavy with leather-bound manuscripts—should not be missed.

• Main sanctuary: See the intricately carved choir stalls and the massive Baroque altar, glimmering with gold leaf.
• Catacombs: Walk through stone tunnels that once served as Lima’s general cemetery, where over 25,000 remains rest in haunting displays.
• Museum and cloisters: Explore halls decorated with large, elaborate religious paintings and a courtyard famed for its 16th-century Sevillian tiles.
• Ancient library: Step into a book lover’s paradise—towering shelves filled with antique volumes, some printed before the founding of Lima.
• Photo spots: Capture the spiral staircase, the limewashed courtyard arcades, and early-morning light filtering onto checkerboard tile floors.
• Narrated tours: Guides offer rich stories about Franciscan monks, buried secrets, and the role of the church in Lima’s growth.