San Pedro Church is one of the most important Jesuit churches in the Historic Center of Lima. It was built as part of the former Colegio Máximo de San Pablo and stands out for its three-nave architecture, altarpieces, collection of viceregal paintings, and the adjoining religious spaces that have been preserved.
In addition to its historical and artistic value, it continues to operate as a parish and as the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For this reason, it is important to remember that it is not only a tourist attraction, but also an active place of worship.
The first Jesuits arrived in Lima in 1568 and settled on land located a few blocks from the Plaza Mayor. There they founded the Colegio Máximo de San Pablo and built a first church, which soon proved too small for the growing congregation.
A second church was completed in 1574. Decades later, plans were made for a larger church. Planning for the third church began in 1618, and construction took place mainly between 1624 and 1638. The church was solemnly dedicated on July 31, 1638, the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
The builders used the Church of the Gesù in Rome, the main model of Jesuit architecture at the time, as a reference. However, the design was modified to adapt it to Lima’s conditions and frequent earthquakes. Instead of a single large nave with enclosed chapels, a basilica-style layout with three naves connected by arches was developed.
After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, the complex came under the administration of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. During this period, the former Church of San Pablo began to be known as San Pedro Church. Over the centuries, it underwent modifications and restorations, especially after the earthquakes that affected Lima.
The church is located at the intersection of Jirón Azángaro and Jirón Ucayali in Cercado de Lima.
Address: Jirón Azángaro 451, Historic Center of Lima.
It is located a few blocks from the Plaza Mayor, near Torre Tagle Palace and San Francisco Church. It is also close to the former National Library building in the Historic Center of Lima.
From the Plaza Mayor
You can walk east along Jirón Ucayali until you reach the intersection with Jirón Azángaro. The church is about a 10-minute walk from Lima’s Plaza Mayor.
From Plaza San Martín
You can walk along Jirón de la Unión and continue east on Jirón Ucayali. Another option is to take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app and enter “San Pedro Church, Jirón Azángaro 451” as your destination.
By public transportation
The Metropolitano’s Jirón de la Unión station provides access to the Historic Center. From there, you must continue on foot through the streets of the city center to reach San Pedro Church.
The church has a central nave and two side aisles connected by arches. This layout allowed processions to move through the church and ceremonies to take place without interrupting the activities held in the chapels.
According to historical descriptions, the church is approximately 67 meters long and 35 meters wide at the transept. These figures may vary depending on the source consulted. They should be understood as estimates taken from historical documents rather than from a recent architectural survey.
The transept, dome, arches, gilded altarpieces, paintings, and decorative wall bases form one of the most outstanding interiors of Lima’s viceregal religious architecture.
San Pedro does not belong to a single architectural style. Its architecture combines elements from different periods:
The church combines elements from different periods: a 17th-century Jesuit-inspired structure, Baroque decoration in its altarpieces and images, and later Neoclassical renovations.
The interior preserves altarpieces dedicated to central figures of Jesuit and Catholic spirituality. Among the best known are those dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Francis Borgia, and Our Lady of Loreto.
The Altarpiece of the Relics is also noteworthy and once housed a valuable collection of reliquaries. The complex served both religious and educational purposes: its paintings, sculptures, and symbols were used to convey biblical episodes, the lives of saints, and the teachings of the Society of Jesus.
The church houses numerous canvases collected and commissioned by the Jesuit community over several centuries. The paintings do not necessarily form an independent art gallery, but are distributed throughout the church, sacristy, chapels, and other rooms.
Some works were created as narrative series to explain the lives of saints and the founders of religious orders. Others were associated with altarpieces, reliquaries, or prayer spaces.
The sacristy is one of the most artistically valuable spaces in the complex. It preserves paintings, furniture, tiles, and decorations related to the history of the Society of Jesus.
Access may be restricted and should not be assumed to be included in a regular visit. In recent years, conservation work has been carried out to protect ornaments and old liturgical vestments from humidity. It is advisable to confirm the dates and areas involved before publishing this information.
The Penitentiary is located beside the main church and occupies part of the space used by earlier Jesuit buildings. The chapel was built in the mid-17th century. Its design has been attributed to the Jesuit priest Jerónimo Pallas, although this information should be confirmed with specialized sources.
The chapel has three small naves and was used for spiritual exercises, penitential practices, and meetings of different congregations. Its participants included students, merchants, artisans, and members of religious associations.
It underwent modifications during later centuries. Contemporary restoration work removed some added structures and restored sections of the brick flooring and tiles.
The Chapel of Our Lady of the O is associated with the Marian Congregation of Our Lady of the Expectation of Childbirth. Its popular name comes from the liturgical antiphons that precede Christmas and begin with the exclamation “O.”
The congregation initially held its meetings in rooms of the former church. It later obtained its own chapel. The space was modified and rebuilt at different times, especially after the earthquakes that affected Lima.
The Penitentiary and the Chapel of Our Lady of the O are separate spaces, although they are located close to each other within the historic complex and share a history connected to the Jesuit presence. They are related and nearby spaces, but they have different histories and functions.
According to the Municipality of Lima’s tourism website, these are the general opening hours. Before visiting the church, it is advisable to confirm them directly with the parish.
Monday to Saturday: 7:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Before your visit, confirm the schedule directly with the parish, as it may change because of religious celebrations.
General admission to the church: free.
These hours correspond to the opening of the church. Access to the sacristy, the Penitentiary, the Chapel of Our Lady of the O, or other heritage spaces may require prior arrangements.
The church continues to function as a place of worship. During Masses and confessions, visitors should avoid speaking loudly, interrupting ceremonies, or walking through the chapels as though the church were only a museum.
Visitors should dress appropriately, keep their phones on silent, and ask for permission before using flash, tripods, or professional equipment.
Before taking photographs, ask the church staff whether the use of flash, tripods, or professional equipment is permitted.
Allow between 30 and 45 minutes for a basic cultural visit. Guided tours that include adjoining spaces and explanations about the heritage may last about two hours. Check with the parish in advance to find out whether tours are available and whether reservations are required.
Is admission to San Pedro Church free?
Yes. The Municipality of Lima’s tourism website states that general admission to the church is free. Special tours or guided services may have different conditions.
Can the church be visited during Mass?
Visitors may enter to participate in the religious celebration. However, it is not advisable to take a sightseeing tour, take photographs repeatedly, or walk through the chapels while Mass is taking place.
Are all areas open to visitors?
Not necessarily. Regular church opening hours do not guarantee access to the sacristy, the Penitentiary, the Chapel of Our Lady of the O, or other areas used by the Jesuit community.
How long does the visit take?
A visit to the main nave and visible chapels may take between 30 and 45 minutes. Special guided tours, when available, may last approximately two hours.
Why is it also known as the Shrine of the Sacred Heart?
In addition to being a historic parish, San Pedro holds the status of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and maintains significant devotional and pastoral activity.
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