It was built by order of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo in 1572 as the Franciscan order. It has a simple architecture, with a single bell tower. Likewise, it has a Latin cross plan and three naves. This construction of stone, lime, and stone had problems in the closing of its arches and vaults. The convent is a very visited attraction, four cloisters conform it. The most striking painting is "The Genealogy of the Franciscan Order", one of the largest paintings in South America.
The church and convent of San Francisco is located in front of the plaza of the same name. About eight minutes walking from the Plaza de Armas.
The convent has a Renaissance style with various influences. It has an impressive ceiling decorated with panels. The church and the cloister, in general, are decorated with canvases of different periods, of authors such as Basilio Santa Cruz, and other anonymous authors of mannerist and tenebrist style belonging to the Cuzco School.
The museum is distributed in three exhibition rooms with paintings of the School Cuzqueña allusive to the life of San Francisco, sculptures in wood, and liturgical ornaments. Another attraction is the Catacombs, with human remains of bones and skulls. Another attraction is its library with works of great historical value, such as a polyglot bible in five languages.
Museum opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 to 12:00 hrs. and 15:00 to 17:00 hrs. Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Cost for the museum:
General rate: S/ 5.00 – National Students: S/ 3.00.
Church opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 6:30 to 8:00 hrs and 17:30 to 19:30 hrs Sundays: 6:30 to 12:00 hrs and 17:00 to 20:00 hrs.
Happy passengers