Monument · Historic Center, Lima

San Francisco Monastery

San Francisco Monastery
Photo: Velvet, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

It consists of a 17th-century church, cloisters, and one of the largest libraries from the colonial period in the Americas. The underground catacombs contain remains of thousands of people buried there over centuries. Look for the tiled courtyards and the carved wooden choir stalls in the church.

Updated September 27, 2026On day 1 of Lima: Capital of Flavor

Visiting San Francisco Monastery: what to know

Tickets
Entry fees apply; confirm current prices on site.
Time needed
One to two hours
Best time
Weekday mornings
Getting there
Short walk from Plaza de Armas

Lima itineraries with San Francisco Monastery

people walking on sidewalk near palm trees during daytime
Lima, PeruLima: Capital of Flavor3 days · 12 stops
San Francisco Monastery is on day 1
Day 1 of Lima: Capital of Flavor

The historic centre

How San Francisco Monastery fits into a day.
  1. 9:30Plaza de Armas of LimaCentro
  2. 10:30Cathedral of LimaCentro
  3. 12:00Convent of San Francisco, LimaCentro
  4. 15:00Jirón de la UniónCentro
See all 3 days
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San Francisco Monastery FAQs

Are the catacombs open to visitors?

Yes, they form part of the standard guided tour.

What is the dress code?

Shoulders and knees must be covered for entry.

Can you take photos inside?

Photography is permitted in the cloisters and church but not in the catacombs.

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