Presbítero Matias Maestro

Presbítero Matias Maestro is a historic cemetery in Lima, Peru, covering 20 hectares with paved paths, sculptures, and memorial monuments. The grounds hold numerous mausoleums in a neoclassical style and feature a dedicated crypt section for important figures from Peruvian history.

The cemetery opened in 1808 under viceroy Fernando de Abascal and introduced a new form of burial outside church walls. This reform followed contemporary hygiene regulations and fundamentally changed burial practices in Lima.

The name honors Matías Maestro, a Spanish architect and priest who shaped Lima during the early 1800s. The grounds display classical burial architecture with marble columns and angel figures blending European and Peruvian traditions.

Visits are possible during the day and evening, with guided tours available that explain the lives and work of famous figures. The paths are paved and easy to walk, though some areas can become slippery after rain.

The grounds hold sculptures by Damià Campeny and Louis-Ernest Barrias, two European artists from the 1800s. A total of 766 mausoleums and 92 monuments from two centuries are spread throughout, documenting different eras of burial art.

Location: Lima District

Inception: 1808

Architects: Matías Maestro

Official opening: May 31, 1808

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: -12.04100,-77.00800

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:16