The last stop with my Lima City Tour series is a visit at the Santo Domingo Convent. The structures at Plaza de Armas are very much impressive and I am also expecting to see more inside the convent. And I am right, it did not fail me.
Just beside the street, we walk a few steps down and turns right to an old door. I ask my guide where we’re going and she says to the Santo Domingo Convent. The building from the outside is just an ordinary one. When we enter that old wooden door, what awaits us is the pristine atmosphere inside the building.
We also walk through an old room wherein I am captivated by the lavish ceiling. It is intricately designed to showcase the elegance of that room. No wonder it is part of the reception area of the convent way back in time, according to my guide.
We come out of the room and walk to the corridor. Oh my, the corridor is really beautiful. As per my guide, the tiles that are being used to decorate it dates back to the 17th Century. It is so amazing, on how they preserve these tiles and still existing these days. San Martin de Porras and Santa Rosa de Lima also used to walk to these corridors as well in the 17th Century.
There is also a garden at the center of the convent and is very well maintained; that really adds to the beauty of the place.
Part of the convent also is a library. We get inside the library and I am very much delighted on the displays they have. As per my guide, the books and manuscripts that they have are dating centuries ago. The luxurious design of the ceiling really adds to the extravagant design of the library. These books on display are really a treasure, with floor to ceiling shelves; i am really in awe inside the library.
The place is also equipped with a state of the art lighting that only illuminates when a visitor steps inside. It also helps preserve the precious display to have lesser exposure to the light. We have a lot of photo opportunities inside since we are the only visitors.
When my guide tells me that we will be going to the tomb of Santa Rosa de Lima, I am thinking it maybe a far walk from the convent. Yet it’s surprising that the tomb’s location is just near to us, just inside the convent.
My guide also leads me to a small door with stairs going down. There is a low ceiling inside so those who are a lot taller may have to sacrifice a bit in order to see what’s underground. As per my guide, it is the burial ground of the past Bishops of Peru and the home to the relics of Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martin de Porras.
I can’t imagine my feeling when we get there. The place is so holy. I am also thankful I have this rare chance of visiting their tombs. This is a once in a lifetime experience of mine. I feel so blessed!
When we come to the place, it is almost end of the day and near to close. We have the place to our own. We also wander freely at the corridors. I thank my guide for this wonderful experience, and I also thank my tour agent, Viajes Pacifico for organizing this tour even if I’m the lone participant. It’s so much worthy to have it.
Been here: August 11, 2015
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