The Minor Basilica and Major Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary, commonly known as Santo Domingo Church in Lima, is one of the most important religious and historical complexes in the center of the Peruvian capital.
The complex includes the basilica, the convent cloisters, the Santo Domingo Convent Museum, the library, the chapter house, the chapels dedicated to the Peruvian saints, the crypt of Saint Rose of Lima, and a 46-meter-high bell tower.
Its origins date back to January 1535, when the Dominicans received land during the founding of the City of Kings. Over the centuries, the complex was expanded, rebuilt, and modified after several earthquakes, particularly those of 1687, 1746, and 1940.
From the city’s earliest years, the Dominicans played an active role in Lima’s religious and educational life. The convent became especially important during the 16th and 17th centuries and was associated with religious formation, education, and the spread of devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary.
One of the most important events connected with the convent was the beginning of the activities of the National University of San Marcos, founded by Royal Decree in 1551.
The complex is also closely associated with Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres, and Saint John Macias. Their relics and remains are preserved in areas of the church and convent, making Santo Domingo both a historic monument and an important center of devotion.
In recent years, the Municipality of Lima, through Prolima, carried out restoration work in several areas of the complex, including the tower, façade, and atrium. The research conducted during these projects also uncovered remains of old floors, channels, wells, and mural paintings.
The church and convent are located at the intersection of Jirón Camaná and Jirón Conde de Superunda in the Historic Center of Lima, very close to the Plaza Mayor.
The visitor entrance to the Santo Domingo Convent Museum is located at:
Jirón Camaná 170, Cercado de Lima.
The convent’s administrative office and other facilities use the following address:
Jirón Conde de Superunda 262, Cercado de Lima.
Both addresses belong to the same monumental complex, which occupies a street corner.
From the Plaza Mayor, you can walk along Jirón Conde de Superunda. The distance is approximately 125 meters, and the walk takes about three minutes.
Visitors arriving by taxi or ride-hailing app should enter “Museo del Convento de Santo Domingo, Jirón Camaná 170” as their destination. Vehicle access on some streets in the Historic Center may vary because of road closures, public events, or municipal work.
The first monumental bell tower was designed by master builder Diego Maroto during the second half of the 17th century. It had three tiers and was destroyed in the earthquake of October 28, 1746.
The current tower was designed in 1766 during the administration of Viceroy Manuel de Amat y Junyent, and its construction is believed to have been completed in 1774, according to documentation released during its restoration. Its lower section has an octagonal floor plan, above which rise two tiers with balconies supported by corbels.
The tower is approximately 46 meters high and contains nine bells. At the top is a figure holding a trumpet, traditionally known as the Angel of Fame and also associated with the angel who announces the Final Judgment.
The recent restoration recovered a polychrome scheme based on historical evidence: a subtly shaded white base, Prussian blue columns, and ochre capitals and details. The former melon color came from later alterations and was not part of the viceregal appearance that the restoration sought to recover.
Access to the tower is included in the museum ticket, but under Civil Defense regulations it is limited to visitors over 18 years of age.
The choir loft is located above the basilica’s main entrance. It contains a set of Nicaraguan cedar choir stalls that the convent describes as among the oldest in the country.
The work combines Renaissance and Mannerist features. Carved saints and biblical figures appear on the seat backs. The central chair was reserved for the prior of the convent and features representations of Saint Dominic de Guzmán and Saint Francis of Assisi.
The first level is a modern reproduction based on the historic design, while a significant number of the original seats are preserved in the rear section.
The basilica has a central nave covered by a false ribbed vault and two side aisles formed by interconnected chapels and small domes.
Among the most visited spaces are the Altar of the Peruvian Saints and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary.
This Neoclassical altar is located in the right transept. At the center is an image of Saint Rose of Lima, with Saint Martin de Porres on one side and Saint John Macias on the other.
Beneath the images are reliquaries associated with the three saints. Although Saint John Macias was born in Spain, he lived his religious life in Lima and is traditionally included among the group known as the Peruvian saints.
In the lower section, a notable feature is The Passing of Saint Rose of Lima, a recumbent marble sculpture created in 1669 by the Maltese artist Melchiorre Cafà. It was commissioned during the pontificate of Clement IX to mark the beatification of Rose of Lima.
The sanctuary is dominated by a Neoclassical altar decorated in turquoise and gold tones. Its present appearance is the result of various alterations and restorations carried out after earthquakes and architectural changes during the 19th and 20th centuries.
According to information published by the Santo Domingo Convent Museum, the visitor schedule is as follows. It is advisable to confirm the hours before your visit.
Tuesday to Sunday:
Mondays are not included in the museum’s regular schedule. Because opening hours may change during religious festivities, private events, or maintenance work, it is advisable to confirm them before traveling to the site.
The museum’s published admission fees are:
The ticket includes a guided tour and access to the tower for visitors over 18 years of age.
Liturgical schedules should not be confused with the museum’s visiting hours.
Monday to Saturday
On Tuesdays, an additional community Mass in honor of Saint Martin de Porres is celebrated at 10:00 a.m.
Allow between one hour and one and a half hours to explore the museum at a relaxed pace. The visit may take longer when it includes the choir loft, library, chapels, and tower.
Wear comfortable shoes. Access to the bell tower is by stairs and is not available to visitors under 18 years of age.
During Mass, respect the silence of the church and avoid using flash photography or walking through worship areas. Before photographing artworks or convent spaces, ask the staff for permission.
To make the most of your visit, arrive at the beginning of one of the museum’s visiting sessions and check whether any religious celebrations are scheduled for that day.
Do the church and museum have the same opening hours?
No. The basilica operates as a place of worship and has its own Mass schedule. The museum has separate visiting hours, admission fees, and a guided tour.
Can visitors climb the tower?
Yes. Access is included in the museum ticket, but it is only permitted for visitors over 18 years of age.
Does the visit include a guide?
Yes. The admission price published by the museum includes a guided tour.
How long does the tour take?
Visitors are advised to allow between 60 and 90 minutes. The duration may vary depending on the size of the group, access to the tower, and each visitor’s interest in the art rooms, library, and chapels.
Which saints are associated with the convent?
The complex preserves spaces, relics, and historical evidence associated with Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres, and Saint John Macias.
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