Smart Self-Managed Tours

Place of worship · Lima

Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo

Basílica y Convento de Santo Domingo

Reviewed by Elena Voss · SSMTour Travel Editor

Photograph

A photograph of Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo
Photograph · Ingo Mehling · CC BY-SA 3.0
Today
Open today, 09:00 – 18:00
Visit duration
30 min
Accessibility
Partly step-free
Price
PEN 20.00 per person
Standing
Must see
Rank
Rank 13 of 14,581

About Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo

The Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo is a significant colonial religious complex in Lima's historic centre. Founded by the Dominican order, it holds deep importance as the burial site of Santa Rosa de Lima, the first Catholic saint of the Americas, and San Martín de Porres, the first black saint of the Americas. The complex comprises a church, convent, and extensive cloisters that exemplify Spanish colonial architecture. Its historical and spiritual significance makes it a cornerstone of Peruvian religious heritage and a focal point for pilgrims and visitors interested in colonial history. Yes. Church and first cloister have assisted access, but bell tower, choir, stairs and historic thresholds prevent a complete accessible route. Yes. PEN 20. Yes. No. Yes. Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres and Saint John Macías. Museum visits generally operate Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00 and Sunday 09:00-13:00; church services and religious events can alter circulation. Adult convent museum admission is PEN 20; worship in the church is free. Church and first cloister have assisted access, but bell tower, choir, stairs and historic thresholds prevent a complete accessible route. The convent is two blocks northwest of Plaza Mayor on Jirón Camaná; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión is about ten minutes away. Yes. PEN 20. Yes. No. Yes. Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres and Saint John Macías. Museum visits generally operate Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00 and Sunday 09:00-13:00; church services and religious events can alter circulation. Adult convent museum admission is PEN 20; worship in the church is free. Church and first cloister have assisted access, but bell tower, choir, stairs and historic thresholds prevent a complete accessible route. The convent is two blocks

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The complex contains the church with its ornate altars and religious imagery, alongside the convent with its atmospheric cloisters. Visitors can access the tomb of Santa Rosa de Lima, housed in a specially constructed chapel that draws devoted pilgrims. The tomb of San Martín de Porres is also present within the complex. The cloisters feature traditional colonial design with arched walkways and central gardens. Religious artworks and colonial-era decorations are visible throughout. The overall atmosphere reflects centuries of continuous religious use. PEN 20. The convent is two blocks northwest of Plaza Mayor on Jirón Camaná; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión is about ten minutes away.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

A thorough visit to the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo typically requires between one and two hours. This duration allows adequate time to observe the church interior, visit the tombs of Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martín de Porres, and walk through the cloister areas. Pilgrims or those with particular devotional interests may wish to spend additional time in prayer or contemplation at the saints' tombs. Photography and reading of informational displays, where available, will extend the visit. Yes.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

Museum visits generally operate Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00 and Sunday 09:00-13:00; church services and religious events can alter circulation. The convent is two blocks northwest of Plaza Mayor on Jirón Camaná; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión is about ten minutes away. Church and first cloister have assisted access, but bell tower, choir, stairs and historic thresholds prevent a complete accessible route.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

Adult convent museum admission is PEN 20; worship in the church is free. Museum visits generally operate Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00 and Sunday 09:00-13:00; church services and religious events can alter circulation. Church and first cloister have assisted access, but bell tower, choir, stairs and historic thresholds prevent a complete accessible route.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

The convent is two blocks northwest of Plaza Mayor on Jirón Camaná; Metropolitano Jirón de la Unión is about ten minutes away. Use the named entrance or stop because hills, security and historic streets change the approach. Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres and Saint John Macías.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

Church and first cloister have assisted access, but bell tower, choir, stairs and historic thresholds prevent a complete accessible route. Yes. PEN 20. Yes. Historic surfaces, crowds and security remain relevant. Museum visits generally operate Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00 and Sunday 09:00-13:00; church services and religious events can alter circulation.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Photography policies within the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo are not formally recorded. Many colonial religious complexes in Lima restrict or prohibit photography inside churches and at tomb sites out of respect for the sacred nature of these spaces and to preserve atmospheric conditions. Flash photography is commonly prohibited due to potential damage to artworks. Visitors should assume that camera use may be restricted in the church interior and at the tombs of Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martín de Porres. Cloister exteriors may permit photography. Adult convent museum admission is PEN 20; worship in the church is free.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Common questions

Is church worship free?

Yes.

What is museum admission?

PEN 20.

Are Sunday hours shorter?

Yes.

Is the bell tower accessible?

No.

Can services restrict visits?

Yes.

Which saints' tombs are associated with it?

Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres and Saint John Macías.

Where it is

Nearby

Within 3 min on foot
  • Osambela House 1 hr 30 min
    1 min walk

    Osambela House

    • High · Heritage site
    • Museum
  • Municipal Palace of Lima 45 min
    3 min walk

    Municipal Palace of Lima

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  • Casa Aliaga, Lima 1 hr 30 min
    3 min walk

    Casa Aliaga, Lima

    • High · Heritage site
    • Museum

Last updated:

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·