Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima
Catholic church · Lima ·

Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima

Catholic church · Lima ·

Baroque church with catacombs, library, courtyards, and cupola

Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima by null

Information

XX3F+P6Q, Jr. Lampa, Lima 15001, Peru Get directions

Information

Static Map

XX3F+P6Q, Jr. Lampa, Lima 15001, Peru Get directions

+51 1 4267377
museocatacumbas.com
@museocsfcatacumbas

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Dec 2, 2025

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@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima Centuries-old catacombs decorated with human bones pepper the crypts at this Franciscan monastery dating to 1774. Decked out in impressive Spanish Baroque architecture, the canary-yellow church and monastery also house a remarkable library with some 25,000 antique texts (some predating the Spanish Conquest) and are flush with romantic courtyards and cloisters. Don't forget to look up: A magnificent Moorish-style cupola, carved of Nicaraguan cedar in 1625, oversees the main staircase."

The Perfect Weekend in Lima
Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima Centuries-old catacombs decorated with human bones pepper the crypts at this Franciscan monastery dating to 1774. Decked out in impressive Spanish Baroque architecture, the canary-yellow church and monastery also house a remarkable library with some 25,000 antique texts (some predating the Spanish Conquest) and are flush with romantic courtyards and cloisters. Don't forget to look up: A magnificent Moorish-style cupola, carved of Nicaraguan cedar in 1625, oversees the main staircase."

Peruvian Heritage Beyond Machu Picchu
Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima
@nomadicmatt
6,681 Postcards · 1,174 Cities

The RTW Trip Giveaway: A Winner's Update (Part 1)

"When I was in Lima I paid for a tour to see the catacombs; I generally skip paying admission for cathedrals or typical church visits unless there is something notably different, but the catacombs were one attraction I decided was worth the cost." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/success-story-heather/
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima

Thomas G.

Google
It's a really interesting and historic place to visit. My only complaint is that we're not allowed to take pictures for the museum and catacombs tour. However, despite that, still a five star stop for us.

Harshita S.

Google
A visit to Lima would be incomplete, in my opinion, unless there is an afternoon spent seeing the Catacombs at this San Francisco Church. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, and made the 45 minutes of the tour of the museum & catacombs worth the long ride from Miraflores. Previously a monastery for the priests and members of the church, it has now been transformed into a museum. Rickety structures and the risk of collapse during earthquakes further add to the inhabitibility of the place. The catacombs have over 30,000 sets of bones, and this is presumed to be be just 20% of all the people that might have been buried beneath the church between 1600s to late 1700s.. they included people from all ethnicities (all Christian, of course), across all genders and age groups. Seeing child bones in the midst was a real sad moment, and a reality check. The church was closed, so we did not get to see the inside, but the outer gate was enough to understand the beauty of its architecture. Day & time of visit - Sunday, November, 12pm. Cost of entry ticket - 30 Soles per adult (card payment accepted). Tip for guide - cash only.

Carpe Dien B.

Google
It’s closed — and I honestly don’t know what makes this a cathedral, because God is always open, but this place definitely isn’t.

L S.

Google
Visiting in Lima with my daughter, we were told the Catacombs were a must-see. An easy walk from the Central Plaza, after a harrowing and very, very long taxi ride from Miraflores. On the approach to Basilica, we were offered private tours for 75s and 60s, but declined. The cost of admission, 20s, includes the tour, which was scheduled every 30 minutes, about 20 people at a time. Since there is no photography allowed, pics are only of area. The tour was actually very fascinating. Thousands of remains, some arranged in beautiful circles, some arranged on steps, and others arranged in bins by the different bones. Skulls in one, legs another, breastbones, etc. A great visit, well worth the time. One display that had me doing a double-take was Christ on the cross. It seemed as though it had a 3-D effect. As I looked closer, on Christ’s head was long flowing hair that was being blown by the wind (a fan). Wish I had taken a short movie but this was the starting of tour. Definitely a must.

Dr.Mohina S K.

Google
It was a very nice experience to save a pair dance on the street outside the cathedral. Then we entered the exhibition hall and saw. So many people's bones skulls underneath the alter of the church. It was almost a journey of about 2 hours after that we entered the cathedral, there was Maghaz going on. And this one huge crowd sitting peacefully. Listening to Father. It was an amazing experience after that to see a parade in front of the presidential quarters. The guides explained everything very well. There are clean toilets on-site and all the artefacts and the architecture reflect European influence. In peru must visit

Anthony B.

Google
Cool place, an interesting way for locals and tourists to learn about the history.

Tanya B.

Google
I wish I had spent more time here. The church is beautiful. You get a glimpse into the catacombs from inside. Tip: Entrance fee for the museum / catacombs must be paid in cash.

Michael M.

Google
Indiana Jones Would Approve If you come to Lima and skip this place, you’ve made a mistake. A big one. Beneath the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco lies a cryptic maze of catacombs—more than 35,000 human remains stacked in perfect circles and lined along narrow hallways like some forgotten ossuary art installation. It’s four meters under the surface, damp, echoing, and unforgettable. Entry costs about 20 soles ($5.61 USD), and yes, you’ll need a guide. No worries—local guides will approach you the moment you step foot on the property. They claim it's tip-based, but plan to pay around 10 soles ($2.80 USD) per person. Worth every sol. Our guide took just three of us through, which made the experience even more surreal. The tour lasts about 40 minutes and includes the church above. While we wandered beneath, mass was underway above us—hymns reverberating through stone and bone. It felt like stepping into an Indiana Jones film, minus the booby traps. This isn’t just a tour. It’s an encounter with the past. Visceral. Humbling. Mysterious. Come for the bones. Stay for the stories. And don’t forget to look up—you’re walking under centuries of prayers.