Church and Convent of Saint Francis (Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco)

Overview

The Church and Convent of Saint Francis is a historic religious complex that showcases stunning Baroque architecture and houses a museum with colonial-era artifacts. It is a significant landmark in Lima's historic center, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage.

The complex is a prime example of colonial architecture in Peru and houses an extensive collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, and artwork from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Religious Site Museum Historical Site

Location

Address

Jr. Lampa, Lima

Neighborhood: Historic Center of Lima

Coordinates

-12.027439, -77.029913

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (note: church services may limit access)

Admission

Adults

S/30

Children

S/15 (ages 6-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

pleasant

• flowers in the courtyard
• festive events

summer

dry and mild

• extended visiting hours

autumn

mild and dry

• cultural exhibitions

winter

warm and humid

• holiday decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance
Bring valid ID
Check weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

Passport or ID water bottle printed or digital tickets

seasonal

light jacket for cooler months umbrella for rainy season

not allowed

large backpacks professional photography equipment without permit drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate (some walking and climbing stairs)

• uneven surfaces and stairs may be challenging for some visitors

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash (PEN), credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Typical Costs

entry S/30 (adults)

guided tour S/50

parking S/10

souvenirs S/20-100

Dress Code

modest, respectful attire (shoulders and knees covered for entering the church), comfortable clothing and shoes for walking, closed-toe shoes recommended for walking on old stone floors, shorts, sleeveless tops, revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• at least 1 week
• official website or authorized vendors
• 48 hours with full refund
• available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

San Francisco Lima

Size: 45 MB

Features: interactive map, audio guide in multiple languages, ticket booking, event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café area

Charging Stations: Available in the café and visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 25-30 minutes

taxi

S/80-100 25-30 min

public_transport

S/5-10 45-60 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

Metropolitano bus

S/1.50 15 min

taxi

S/15-20 10 min

walking

25-30 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The Church and Convent of Saint Francis is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Lima’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage and its colonial past, which locals take great pride in.

Historical Significance: The complex served as a key religious and educational center during colonial times and has witnessed significant historical events, including the establishment of Lima as the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and to avoid crowds
The café inside the convent offers a peaceful setting to enjoy traditional Peruvian coffee and pastries
Look for the hidden catacombs tour for a unique and somewhat eerie experience

Local Recommendations

• Try a local café in the nearby Plaza de Armas
• Ask for a guide who speaks English or Spanish fluently for a more detailed experience
• Visit the nearby San Francisco Cathedral for a comprehensive understanding of Lima’s religious history

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Boletos

Guide Languages: Spanish, English, French, some guides offer Portuguese or Italian

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance and façade

Best Time: Golden hour in the late afternoon

Tips: Capture the full façade from across the street

Result: Stunning architectural details with natural light

#SanFranciscoLima #LimaHistoric #PeruTravel

Photography Rules

allowed areas courtyard, exterior of the church and convent, general museum areas

prohibited areas inside the church during services, private or restricted exhibit areas

flash photography not allowed in most indoor areas

commercial photography requires special permit

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy allowed in designated areas only, not during peak hours

selfie sticks allowed but use discretion to avoid disturbing others

Nearby Attractions

Plaza de Armas

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Historic Square

Cathedral of Lima

Distance: 400m

Walking: 6 min

Type: Cathedral

Museo de Arte de Lima

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Art Museum

Casa de la Literatura Peruana

Distance: 1km

Walking: 12 min

Type: Cultural Center

Reviews

4.6

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book a guided tour for deeper insights"
"Visit early to avoid crowds"
"Don’t miss the catacombs tour"

Contact Information

+51 1 426 5523

informacion@conventosanfrancisco.pe

www.conventosanfrancisco.pe

Social Media

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