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.
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