The Church and Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas is one of the most important temples in the Historic Center of Lima and the main place of worship of the Lord of Miracles, one of Peru’s most representative religious devotions.
Inside, the original image of the crucified Christ is preserved, painted in oil on an adobe wall in the old neighborhood of Pachacamilla. Every year, thousands of faithful visit this sanctuary to pay tribute to the Cristo Moreno, especially during the month of October, when the traditional processions of the Lord of Miracles take place.
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The Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas was built in the second half of the 18th century on the site where the image of the Lord of Miracles was venerated. Its façade features elements of Lima Baroque style, and its interior preserves a strong religious, historical, and devotional significance.
The original image of the crucified Christ is located on the main altar, protected inside an urn-like structure. This painting, traditionally attributed to an Angolan slave, is considered the origin of one of the country’s largest expressions of faith.
The history of the Lord of Miracles dates back to 1651, when, according to tradition, an Angolan slave painted the image of the crucified Christ on an adobe wall in the neighborhood of Pachacamilla, an area then inhabited by an Afro-descendant population.
In 1655, a strong earthquake destroyed much of Lima, but the wall where the image was painted remained standing. This event strengthened popular devotion and began to be interpreted as a miraculous sign.
Years later, in 1687, another earthquake struck the city. From then on, Sebastián de Antuñano promoted the procession of a copy of the image, giving rise to the tradition that over time would become the great procession of the Lord of Miracles.
The current church was built in the 18th century and became the main center of this devotion. Since then, the Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas has welcomed faithful visitors from Lima, Peru, and different parts of the world.
The Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas is located in the Historic Center of Lima, in the Pachacamilla area, near Tacna Avenue and Jirón Huancavelica.
Thanks to its central location, it can be visited during a tour of the main churches, squares, and historic mansions in downtown Lima.
Image of the Lord of Miracles
The main attraction of the sanctuary is the original image of the Lord of Miracles, preserved on the main altar. This painting on an adobe wall depicts the crucified Christ and forms the core of one of the most important religious devotions in Latin America.
Sanctuary and Main Altar
The interior of the temple stands out for its main altar and the atmosphere of reflection that characterizes the place. Throughout the year, many visitors come to pray, give thanks, or learn more about the history of the Cristo Moreno.
Procession of the Lord of Miracles
Every October, Lima celebrates the so-called Purple Month. During this period, the processional image of the Lord of Miracles moves through the streets of the Historic Center, accompanied by thousands of faithful dressed in purple, incense bearers, chants, music bands, and expressions of deep popular devotion.
This procession is one of the largest religious expressions in Peru and one of Lima’s most important cultural events.
Every day from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
We recommend confirming the opening hours before your visit, especially during October, Holy Week, religious festivities, or special sanctuary activities.
Happy passengers