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The historic center of Lima has some beautiful colonial churches dating from the 16th century. They’re included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the city.

 

San Francisco Convent

San Francisco Convent (Convento de San Francisco) is one of the most important and most visited of the churches in Lima. It was built in 1557 and rebuilt in 1672 after an earthquake. A visit to the church and tour of the monastery is one of the highlights of a visit to Lima. Read about it here.

Convento de San Francisco in Lima, Peru
San Francisco Convent

 

Our Lady of Mercy

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy (Basílica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Merced) was built in 1591. The first Latin mass in Lima was held here when the first wooden church was built in 1534. The façade of the church was carved by Cristóbal Gómez.

Basílica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Lima, Peru
Our Lady of Mercy
Basílica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Lima, Peru
Our Lady of Mercy

The land for the church was donated by Captain Francisco de Becerra. He’s buried in a crypt in the church alongside his wife. It’s a beautiful church to walk through

Basílica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Lima, Peru
Inside Our Lady of Mercy
Basílica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Lima, Peru
Our Lady of Mercy
Basílica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Merced in Lima, Peru
Our Lady of Mercy

 

Church of San Pedro

The Church of San Pedro (Iglesia de San Pedro), built in 1636, is supposed to be a very beautiful church. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit.

Iglesia de San Pedro in Lima, Peru
Church of San Pedro

 

Church of San Agustín

The Church of San Agustín (Iglesia de San Agustín) features great stone carvings on the façade. It was built in 1573. The church was closed during my visit.

Iglesia de San Agustín in Lima, Peru
Church of San Agustín
Iglesia de San Agustín in Lima, Peru
Detail of the Church of San Agustín

 

Church of Santo Domingo

Finally, the Church of Santo Domingo (Iglesia de Santo Domingo), built between 1540 and 1590. It holds the remains of Santa Rosa de Lima, San Juan Macías, and San Martín de Porres. The convent is open for visitors for an extra fee.

Iglesia de Santo Domingo in Lima, Peru
Church of Santo Domingo
Iglesia de Santo Domingo in Lima, Peru
Interior of the Church of Santo Domingo
Iglesia de Santo Domingo in Lima, Peru
Church of Santo Domingo
Relics of the three saints at Iglesia de Santo Domingo in Lima, Peru
Relics of the three saints

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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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