Lima and its Creepy Catacombs: The Saint Francis Monastery

When I think of creepy places in Peru, a couple of spots immediately pop up. But if you find yourself in Lima this week, the catacombs are your best bet for Halloween haunts.

There was the time I “slept” with a skull above my head. And apparently for a culturally acceptable reason. I say “slept” because I was scared out of my mind and actually didn’t get any sleep.

There is also Marcahuasi, a mesmerizing rock forest in the department of Lima. Marcahuasi is popular for camping and supposedly home to tons of UFO sightings. 

But again, if you’re in Lima this Halloween, all you need to creep yourself out is to visit the Basilica & Convent of San Francisco. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Spanish Baroque temple and has 7 cloisters with green courtyards.

However it’s most famous for its catacombs, home to the remains of up to 75,000 people.

The Basilica & Convent of San Fracisco de Lima was finished in 1674. Historically it was a convent (for the Franciscan order) and until 1808 was a tomb for members of the public. 

So the skeletons (and spirits) there are from all sections of 15th-19th century Lima society.

How to Visit Lima’s Catacombs

The basilica & convent is located at San Francisco plaza in the Historic Center of Lima Centro. Nearby are the government palace and main plaza of Lima. So you can easily include a visit to the catacombs into any trip to Lima.

Basic Tourist Information

Open Daily 9AM to 8:45 PM

Holidays 12 noon – 8:45 PM

Entrance Fees:

• S/ 15 adult, S/ 3 Minor
• S/ 8 University Student (must provide ID)

Guided tours last 45 minutes and are in Spanish or English

Alternatively, consider making it creepier by taking a night tour of Lima that includes the catacombs. Several companies provide this option.

Safety Note: If you’re claustrophobic or have respiratory issues, you may want to reconsider visiting the catacombs. They’re pretty dusty and have low ventilation. 

The Final Word

While researching this I discovered a new word: Ossuary. In spanish, the word is osario. Use it when you visit, because there is no other situation where you will.

Halloween’s not a big holiday in Peru. So it can be tough to find something to do. Because of that, and since the Basilica & Convent of San Fancisco is a top spot to visit anyway, consider a night tour for the year’s scariest night!

Check out their website for up to date information (Spanish only).