Convent of Los Descalzos, Lima - a yellow building with red shutters on top of it
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Convent of Los Descalzos Lima

4.5
·2k reviews·Rímac, Peru

Discover colonial art and serene cloisters at this historic convent in Lima's Rímac district. A peaceful escape with a rich artistic heritage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Convent of Los Descalzos, Lima - a yellow building with red shutters on top of it

Convent of Los Descalzos Lima

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover colonial art and serene cloisters at this historic convent in Lima's Rímac district. A peaceful escape with a rich artistic heritage.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Excellent guided visit with three cloisters and more than hundred paintings mostly from the XVIIth c."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Take the Guided Tour

Highly recommended for context on art & monastic life. Tours are hourly.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Patios

The courtyards are peaceful and beautiful, offering great photo ops.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Interior Chapels

Spectacular Interior Chapels

Various chapels within the convent

Discover breathtaking chapels adorned with religious art and intricate architecture, offering a glimpse into spiritual devotion.

Extensive Painting Collection

Extensive Painting Collection

Museum halls

Explore a vast collection of over a hundred paintings, primarily from the 17th century, showcasing religious and historical themes.

Tranquil Cloisters

Tranquil Cloisters

The three cloisters

Wander through peaceful courtyards and cloisters, offering moments of quiet reflection amidst historical beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit

While not as packed as some major Lima attractions, visiting the Convent of Los Descalzos early in the morning or during weekday afternoons can offer a more serene experience. Guided tours are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the art and history.

Guided Tours Enhance the Experience

The convent's extensive art collection and rich history are best appreciated with a guided tour. These tours, available hourly, provide context to the paintings and the monastic life, making the visit much more insightful.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Good for guided tours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Renovamos nuestro horario de atención en fines de semana a pedido del público✨️#franciscanostiktok #espiritualidad #arte#museostiktok
@museodescalzos
1.7K likes • 24.7K views

🎯 Take the Guided Tour

Highly recommended for context on art & monastic life. Tours are hourly. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Patios

The courtyards are peaceful and beautiful, offering great photo ops. TikTok

🕰️ Check Weekend Hours

Weekend hours may be extended by popular demand. TikTok

🖼️ Appreciate the Art

The convent houses a large collection of 17th-century paintings. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Take the Guided Tour

Highly recommended for context on art & monastic life. Tours are hourly. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Patios

The courtyards are peaceful and beautiful, offering great photo ops. TikTok

🕰️ Check Weekend Hours

Weekend hours may be extended by popular demand. TikTok

🖼️ Appreciate the Art

The convent houses a large collection of 17th-century paintings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Convent of Los Descalzos for its surprisingly large size, extensive collection of 17th-century paintings, and peaceful atmosphere. The guided tours are consistently highlighted as excellent, providing valuable context to the art and history. It's considered a worthwhile visit for its historical and artistic significance.

"Very nice place and much bigger than it seems from outside. Large collection of paintings. Nice patios and great guide explaining the paintings and the life of the monks."

Danijel Popovic

"Excellent guided visit (every hour from morning and afternoon) with three cloisters and more than hundred paitings mostly from the XVIIth c."

Etienne Metenier

"Very nice place, it was so peaceful."

Edward Zuniga

What People Like

Excellent guided tours
Large painting collection
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be challenging for mobility

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Convent of Los Descalzos is located at the end of the Alameda de los Descalzos in the Rímac district of Lima. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Public transport options might involve buses to the Rímac area, followed by a short walk. TikTok

The Rímac district has historical significance. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when using public transport or walking at night. Taxis or ride-sharing services are generally recommended for convenience and safety. Reddit

The most convenient way is to take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly from Miraflores to the Convent of Los Descalzos. This avoids the complexities of Lima's public transport system and offers a direct route. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The convent typically has hourly guided tours. While specific hours can vary, they are generally open from morning to afternoon. It's best to check their official schedule or inquire locally, as weekend hours may be extended by popular demand. TikTok

Admission typically includes a guided tour. While exact prices can change, it's a reasonably priced attraction that offers significant historical and artistic value. It's advisable to check for current admission fees upon arrival or on their official website if available. Reddit

Tickets are usually purchased on-site, and guided tours are offered hourly. Booking in advance is generally not required, but arriving a bit before the tour start time is recommended to secure your spot. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or children is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival for any available concessions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore beautiful interior chapels, a large collection of 17th-century paintings, and three peaceful cloisters. The guided tour provides in-depth information about the art and the history of the monks. TikTokReddit

A visit, including the guided tour, usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows ample time to appreciate the art and the serene atmosphere of the convent. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's generally permitted in common areas like the cloisters, but often restricted in areas with delicate artwork or religious services. Always look for signage or ask your guide. TikTok

The convent has multiple levels and historical architecture, which may present challenges for those with mobility issues. Some areas might be accessible, but it's advisable to contact the convent directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

Founded in the 17th century, it's a significant historical and religious site in Lima, housing a rich collection of colonial art and offering insights into the life of the Discalced friars. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are typically no dining facilities within the convent itself. Visitors usually eat before or after their visit at restaurants in the Rímac district or other parts of Lima. Reddit

The Rímac district offers traditional Peruvian cuisine. You can find local eateries serving dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos. Exploring the surrounding streets can lead to authentic culinary experiences. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The cloisters with their arches and courtyards are very picturesque. The interior chapels, when photography is permitted, also offer stunning shots of religious art and architecture. TikTok

Drone usage is generally prohibited in historical and religious sites due to privacy and preservation concerns. It's best to assume drones are not allowed unless explicitly permitted by the authorities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Convent of Los Descalzos is rich in history and art, it might be more engaging for older children who can appreciate the stories and visual details. The guided tours can help make the history come alive. Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the paintings and the architecture of the cloisters to keep younger ones interested. Reddit

Tips for families: Look for tours that might be more interactive or focus on specific stories. Ensure children are comfortable with walking and quiet environments. The peaceful nature of the convent can be a good contrast to more active tourist spots, offering a moment of calm. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers

This convent is a must-visit for anyone interested in colonial Peruvian history and religious art. The extensive collection of 17th-century paintings and the historical context provided by the guided tours offer deep insights into the era. Reddit

Highlights for history buffs: Pay close attention to the details in the paintings, the architectural evolution of the convent, and the stories of the Discalced friars. The guided tours are exceptionally informative and highly recommended to fully grasp the significance of the site. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art Collection: A Colonial Treasure

The Convent of Los Descalzos boasts an impressive collection of over a hundred paintings, predominantly from the 17th century. These works offer a window into the religious and artistic landscape of colonial Peru. Many pieces depict saints, biblical scenes, and the lives of friars, showcasing the artistic styles and techniques prevalent during that era. The guided tours are invaluable for understanding the context, symbolism, and provenance of these significant artworks. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the sheer volume and quality of the paintings, noting that the convent is much larger and more art-filled than its exterior suggests. The collection is a testament to the wealth and artistic patronage of the religious orders in Lima during the Viceroyalty. Experiencing this curated history is a primary draw for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. TikTok

Key artists and schools represented might include works influenced by the Cusco School or Lima School of painting. While specific artist attributions might require a detailed catalog, the overall collection provides a comprehensive overview of religious art in the region. The preservation of these pieces within the convent's walls makes it a vital cultural heritage site. Reddit

Exploring the Tranquil Cloisters

The convent features three distinct cloisters, each offering a unique atmosphere of peace and reflection. These open-air courtyards, often adorned with greenery and architectural details, provide a serene escape from the bustling city outside. Wandering through these spaces allows visitors to appreciate the monastic lifestyle and the architectural design of the convent. TikTok

Redditors and visitors often highlight the peaceful ambiance of the cloisters, making them ideal spots for quiet contemplation or simply enjoying the historical surroundings. The interplay of light and shadow, the architectural arches, and the sense of history create a visually appealing and calming environment. These areas are also excellent for photography, capturing the essence of the convent's enduring tranquility. Reddit

Architectural elements such as arcades, columns, and central fountains contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the cloisters. They were historically designed as spaces for meditation, study, and daily life for the friars. Today, they serve as a beautiful backdrop for visitors seeking a moment of calm and a connection to the past. Reddit

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