San Francisco

Museum

V!VA User‘s Description

San Francisco is a sixteenth-century church and convent located in central Lima. Visitors can stroll around the gorgeous courtyards and marvel at the woodwork, tiles and paintings that adorn the inside of the convent. One highlight is the catacombs, a public cemetery where bodies were stacked like wood and allowed to decompose before being stored elsewhere. Also, look for the painting of the last supper in which the disciples are eating cuy, or guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Part of the San Francisco convent has been set aside as a museum (admission: 5 soles / $1.60, open 10 a.m.- 5:45 p.m. daily). It houses an impressive collection of colonial and republican era paintings and religious art, such as carved crosses, urns, etc. The museum prides itself on its collection of paintings by Francisco Zurbarán, a well known artist. Aficionados of colonial or religous art will enjoy the museum.

San Francisco is located in central Lima, only about two blocks away from the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral.

Traveler Reviews of San Francisco

Cool experience

Rating: 50%

I liked the church, but watch out at the plaza, everybody will try to sell you something.

By V!VA User from Miami, FL, Mar 31, 2008