Cripta de los Héroes

The Crypt of Heroes is a funerary monument located within the Presbítero Matías Maestro cemetery grounds, serving as a burial place for those who died in armed conflict. The structure combines European design elements with local materials and includes a prominent sculptural group on its main facade.

The monument was inaugurated in 1908, roughly a century after the cemetery itself was established. Its construction took place during a period when Peru was expressing national identity through large-scale public works.

The crypt holds names of those who died defending the nation and shows how Peru chose to honor their memory through architecture and sculpture. Visitors today encounter a space that continues to hold meaning as a place of remembrance.

The site is located within the cemetery grounds and is open to visitors on most weekdays. Those who visit should follow standard cemetery etiquette and wear respectful clothing.

The sculpture on the facade shows a winged figure guiding a fallen soldier holding a broken sword. This composition draws from a European artwork and was specifically adapted for this memorial.

Location: Lima District

Architects: Emile Robert

Official opening: September 8, 1908

GPS coordinates: -12.04197,-77.00861

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30