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The Church and Convent of San Francisco is besides the Cathedral of Lima probably the most significant religious complex in Lima. The church with the impressive main portal, the affiliated convent and the two churches of "El Milagro" and "La Soledad" form together the most successful and impressive monument of Colonial architecture in whole Latin America.
The Church and Convent of San Francisco was consecrated in 1673 and completed in 1774. Originally the complex consisted of seven cloisters, but with the alteration of the Avenida Abancay in the 1940s parts of the monastery were demolished, others separated from the main structure and used for other purposes.
The main church of San Francisco is a good example of Spanish Baroque in the Colonial Americas. The central and side naves are painted in a mix of Spanish and Moorish style. Impressive the main altar and the choir-stalls on the gallery that are completely carved out of wood.
Next to visiting the church we highly recommend taking a guided tour (available in Spanish and English) through the monastery. The inside is just amazing giving a feeling about how the religious life was during Spanish Colonial times. For more info about this "must - do" check out our museum page under the Museum in the Convent of San Francisco.
