Welcome:
Login/Register

Home Destinations South America Peru Lima Sights Iglesia de San Francisco

Iglesia de San Francisco Review

Read our Lima sights reviews. Or post your own.

WHAT'S NEARBY

Iglesia de San Francisco

  • Address: Jr. Ancash 471, Lima
  • Phone: 01/427-1381

Fodor's Review:

The Church of Saint Francis is the most visited in Lima, and with good reason. The 1674 structure is the best example of what is known as "Lima Baroque" style of architecture. The handsome carved portal would later influence those on other churches, including the Iglesia de la Merced. The central nave is known for its beautiful ceilings painted in a style called mudejar (a blend of Moorish and Spanish designs). On a tour, peruse the adjoining monastery's immense collection of antique texts, some dating back to the 17th century. But the best part of a tour is a visit to the vast catacombs. The city's first cemetery, these underground tunnels contains the bones of some 75,000 people. In many places the bones have been stacked in eerie geometric patterns. Tours are available in English.

  • Cost: S/5
  • Open: Daily 9:30-5:45

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>



Buy the Guidebook

  • Fodor's South America, 7th Edition
    $27.95
  • Fodor's Peru, 2nd Edition
    $19.95

Get the Fodor's Newsletter

Read the current issue
For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Browse previous issues.

Current Fodor's Newsletter

Copyright © 2008 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.