Catholic Lima: Parish of San Francisco in Barranco

Catholic Lima: Parish of San Francisco in Barranco October 26, 2016

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With this post, I begin a virtual tour of Catholic churches and sites of Lima, Peru.  The national capital, Lima was founded on January 18th, 1535 as “The City of Kings” since its founding was decided on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th.  Some argue it is also a reference to the Catholic kings of Spain, Isabelle and Ferdinand.  The Catholic faith was brought to South America by the Spanish crown and missionaries, and over five hundred years of Christianity has certainly influenced Peruvian history and culture.  The current Peruvian Constitution (1993) grants religious freedom, yet at the same time recognizes the Catholic Church’s important influence in the historical, cultural and moral formation of Peru.

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This is the beautiful (and not often visited) parish church of San Francisco de Asis in the 19th century district of Barranco.  The construction of the streetcar from downtown Lima to this southern ocean-side district allowed many of Lima’s wealthy to live in Barranco and commute to their businesses in the city.  The original church was built in 1895, but it collapsed four decades later due to its poor construction.  The present church, staffed to this day by the Order of Friars Minor (Brown Franciscans), was completed in 1935.

It sits on a quaint square, far enough from the busy streets of Barranco to give a small town feel.  Entering the Plaza San Francisco transports the visitor into a quiet and peaceful space surrounded not only by the parish, but also by typical 19th century homes with tall, iron-grilled windows that contain within beautiful gardens.

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The stained glass windows of the Church represent Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Francis Solano, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Bonaventure, Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Claire and Franciscan martyrs.  The beauty of the church has made it a favorite in Lima for brides and grooms to get married.

It is definitely worth a visit if you visit Lima.  Address: Morelli Colon 320, Barranco

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