5 details about the Catacombs of Lima, one of the oldest in South America

There are many dark stories and legends about the catacombs located under the San Francisco de Asís Convent: a historic Lima cemetery whose underground vaults, dating from colonial times, served to bury more than 25,000 people. This has made them very popular, becoming them a very visited place in the historic center of the Peruvian capital.

In the past, as the population of Lima increased, the death toll also increased. The inhabitants used to bury their deceased in the depths of the temples. This is how extensive tunnel networks and underground cemeteries were built throughout the historic center, such as the San Francisco Monumental Complex, which functioned until 1810.

1. Architectural gem

Built in 1535, the Convent of San Francisco is a must-see for its beautiful Baroque-style architecture and all that it hides. Its interior houses the churches of San Francisco, La Soledad and El Milagro, whose cloisters, patios and annexes make up everything that constitutes this religious complex.

It has an impressive library considered one of the most complete in the world, with approximately 25,000 books of theology, philosophy, history and literature, as well as 17th century artistic works by famous European painters.

The beauty and harmony of its arches decorated with dazzling tiles and beautiful paintings contrast with the gloomy atmosphere that surrounds the basements of this building.

Built in 1535, the Convent of San Francisco is a must-see for its beautiful Baroque-style architecture.
Credit: PromPeru.

2. Anti-seismic structures

The catacombs or crypts of Lima are considered the largest in the entire continent and also the best preserved. Its vast extension is only surpassed by the famous Catacombs of Paris. When walking through its passages and galleries, it draws attention to the enormous wells up to 10 meters deep filled with bones and human skulls whose purpose would have been to preserve the old building from the impact of earthquakes.

3. An underground network

It is believed that, due to the existence of catacombs located in the basements of nearby churches, there is a network of paths and secret passages that connect the extremes of the center of Lima, which cross below the Cathedral of Lima, the Convent of San Francisco and expand to the Convent of Santo Domingo and the Church of Santa Ana.

According to historical sources, in the mid-18th century, Viceroy Manuel de Amat y Junyent planned to expand the crypts with the construction of new wells and niches, however, the project was not completed and, therefore, many passages and roads were left unfinished in the middle of an underground necropolis. Some would be found below the back gardens of the current Government Palace and would even reach the Port of Callao.

It is believed that, there is a network of paths and secret passages that connect the extremes of the center of Lima.
Credit: Ernesto Benavides / PromPerú.

4. Illustrious deceased

A series of well-known characters from the viceregal period rest in the Catacombs of Lima. One of them is Fray Juan Gómez, an important doctor who became known for assisting the Christian missionary San Francisco Solano during his long disease. Also buried there is Fray Ramón y Tagle y Bracho, one of the sons of the Marquises of Torre Tagle, and Fray Andrés Corso, who was one of the founders of the Convento de los Descalzos del Rímac.

Other important figures who lie buried there are the Portuguese architect Constantino de Vasconcellos, who designed this and other Lima buildings, as well as the viceroys Marqués de Castelldosrius and the Count of Salvatierra. Currently, historians continue to investigate the names of the thousands of people who rest in this place, among whom are lords, illustrious ladies, religious and citizens.

5. The legend of the monk

Tell the story that, because of the cruel killings and torture that took place during the colonial era, many souls were left in pain inside the catacombs. Many people report seeing souls dressed in dark suits levitating over the passageways and yelling chilling sounds.

One of the best known legends describes an elderly monk who, in occasions, is seen at night walking the hallways of the place, being observed by visitors and workers of the site. Do you dare to visit it?

Tell the story that, many souls were left in pain inside the catacombs.
Credit: PromPerú.

Sources: Peru21 / Wamanadventures / RPP / Museo Catacumbas

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