San Francisco Church and Monastery in Lima, Peru

Visit the San Francisco Church and Monastery in Lima, Peru, a stunning blend of Baroque and Andalusian architectural styles. This magnificent structure took over a century to complete, with cedar wood (Sedar Wood) used for its wooden elements. The most unique feature of this site is its underground catacombs, which span three levels. The first level alone, open to visitors, contains the remains of 25,000 individuals. During the 17th to 19th centuries, locals believed that being buried in the church brought them closer to God. To secure a burial spot, they would donate money, goods, or labor. Due to the humid conditions in the catacombs, bodies would decompose into skeletons within 1-2 months. The church would then collect the bones and prepare the space for new burials. The deepest circular catacomb, measuring 8-10 meters, is particularly eerie as it is filled with stacked bones. Remarkably, the unique construction and materials of the catacombs have allowed them to withstand multiple earthquakes, making them one of the safest places in Lima during seismic events, according to tour guides. Admission is 20 Sol, and visitors must join a guided tour. Photography is prohibited in most areas of the church and monastery, but the catacombs are an exception. However, visitors are advised to quickly put away their cameras when encountering other tour groups.