Convento de San Francisco Ossuary
The mortal remains of an estimated 70,000 people lie in the basement of a monastery in Lima, Peru.
Wikimedia (Public Domain)
Beneath the church at the Franciscan Monastery in Lima, Peru, there is an ossuary where the skulls and bones of an estimated 70,000 people are decoratively arranged.
Long forgotten, the catacombs were rediscovered in 1943 and are believed to be connected via subterranean passageways to the cathedral and other local churches. Both creepy and beautiful, they feature small grates scattered along the upper floor of the cathedral through which, while you are touring, you may look down at any given moment to see the artistically arranged dead illuminated.
Know Before You Go
It's one block northeast from the Plaza Mayor. There is no photography allowed inside the ossuary. There is an entrance fee.
Community Contributors
Added by
Edited by
Published
October 22, 2013
Edit this listing
In partnership with KAYAK
Plan Your Trip
Stay in Touch!
Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day.
Follow us on Twitter
Like us on Facebook
Follow Us on Instagram
No Thanks
Visit AtlasObscura.com
No purchase necessary. Winner will be selected at random on 10/01/2023. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Offer subject to change without notice. See contest rules for full details.
Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook