Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa, Franciscan religious complex in Historic Center of Arequipa, Peru.
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is a Franciscan religious complex in Arequipa's historic center with thick stone walls and brick vaulting in Andean Baroque style. The structure includes a main altar, several chapels, and the original cloisters where friars once lived and worked.
Franciscan priests received land from Don Lucas Martinez Begazo in 1551, and construction of the church by architect Gaspar Baez began in 1569. The complex expanded over the following centuries and became a major spiritual and educational hub for the city.
The name comes from Saint Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order who has been honored here for centuries. The rooms show how the friars lived and prayed, with simple cells and shared spaces that reflect their daily monastic life.
Visitors can explore the grounds on foot, starting with publicly accessible areas like the main altar and courtyards. It is best to dress modestly, especially if religious services are taking place during your visit.
Underground catacombs lie beneath the convent where colonial-era burials were discovered and show burial practices from that distant period. These subterranean chambers preserve traces of more than 400 years of history.
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