This Convent is a religious Catholic Complex in the Historic District of Lima. After being destroyed by several earthquakes, the new simpler construction began in the 1500s and it took them 50 years to complete. In several areas, the damage can still be clearly seen. The Bell Tower was under construction when we visited, but the new design with the octagonal form at the base will keep it from destroyed again. Along with the top Tower, the structure stands at approximately 151 feet.
The Church inside was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, with artwork and paintings alongside a Carrera Marble Jesus of the Columns Statue. The carvings on the wall are also artistic and beautiful.
The Chapel is home to the three Peruvian Saints – St. Rose of Lima in the center, St. Martin de Porras to the left, and St. John Macias to the right. Details of the deeds of the three of them are shown on plaques and in paintings.
Both the Cloisters are lovely – the pink one near the entrance is more ornate than the simpler yellow one at the back. It has Moorish-inspired carved arches, intricate woodwork, Spanish tile work on almost every wall and pole, and pretty gardens surrounding the central fountain. The one in the back has a cluster of statues of all the Saints of Peru depicting their good deeds, plus arches all around.
One of the worthiest places to visit was the Library – not just for the 25000 rare, antique and revered books, but also for the artistic coppered ceilings.
As we were leaving the Monastery, we saw the blue and white tiled Tomb of Saint Maria under the conference room. She was the first woman Saint of the Americas. There were also some replicas of the actual skulls of the three main saints on a table, plus a picture on the front facing wall of what they must have looked like in actual life. Very interesting…!
We were glad we came with a guide. He pointed out all the important aspects of this monastery along with a tremendous amount of history.
Absolutely worth a visit.