Convento de los Descalzos, 16th-century Franciscan convent in Rímac, Peru

Convento de los Descalzos is a 16th-century Franciscan convent in Rímac that adapts to the slope of San Cristóbal Hill. The building spans multiple levels with interlocking rooms that follow the natural terrain, and today houses a museum displaying religious artworks.

Founded in 1595, the convent began as a retreat set among fields and vineyards at Lima's outskirts. It became an important center for religious and intellectual life during the colonial period, shaping the spiritual landscape of the city.

Locals call it "de los Descalzos" after the sandals worn by the Franciscan friars. Since 18 December 1981 the convent has housed the Museo de los Descalzos, which displays relics of Francisco Solano, Francisco de Asís and Antonio de Padua and more than 300 canvases of the Cusco, Lima and Quito schools.

The museum is arranged across several exhibition rooms distributed throughout the convent grounds, taking advantage of the natural slope. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the visit involves stairs and uneven floors that follow the terrain.

The convent's museum opened on 18 December 1981 and holds relics of Francisco Solano, Francis of Assisi and Anthony of Padua. Its library keeps more than 15,000 goatskin-bound books from the 16th to the 20th centuries, alongside over 300 canvases of the Cusco, Lima and Quito schools.