For a few days now, visitors to the Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima have been able to discover a previously hidden part of Lima's history. Archaeologists have unearthed remnants of the former church and the Hospital del Espíritu Santo there. The more than 450-year-old structures are now part of the tourist attractions in the historic center of the Peruvian capital.
This adds another historical layer to an already special place in Lima. Visitors to the Santuario de Santa Rosa will now not only see one of Peru's most important religious sites. Directly below and next to the current sanctuary, it becomes visible how this part of the city was already used in the 16th century.
New Historic Site in the Center of Lima
The City of Lima and PROLIMA presented the archaeological remains to the public on August 25, 2026, and simultaneously made the area accessible to visitors. The remains belong to the former Hospital del Espíritu Santo and its accompanying church. The hospital began operations on May 23, 1575, and was founded by the Greek merchant Miguel de Acosta with the permission of the then Viceroy Francisco de Toledo.
Originally, the hospital primarily cared for sailors, pilots, and people connected with shipping. Later, other residents of colonial Lima were also treated there. For today's visitors, it is particularly interesting that the new area is directly connected to the well-known history of the Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima.
What Archaeologists Found Beneath Santa Rosa de Lima
During the investigations, various components of the former complex came to light. These include stone, brick, and adobe walls, as well as areas of the entrance to the former church. Under old brick floors, archaeologists also found several burials. Some were located in rectangular, niche-like structures, others directly in the ground.
The finds also include Valencian tiles from the 18th century. The square tiles are decorated with plant motifs and provide an impression of the building's design at that time.
A Stone Flower with Six Petals
At the former entrance of the hospital, a large paved floor was uncovered. A six-petaled flower within a circle is embedded in the paving. An unusual detail can be found at the tips of the petals, where animal bones were used as a decorative element.
The floor is thus one of the most remarkable visible remnants of the former complex. For visitors, this spot offers a direct glimpse into the construction and design of colonial Lima. PROLIMA is working on the conservation of the paving and other archaeological elements. Preserved wall paintings as well as brick and adobe walls are also being secured.
Hospital, Church, and a Place of Science
The Hospital del Espíritu Santo was more than a medical facility. During the colonial period, lectures were also held within the complex. Subjects taught included mathematics, navigation, and cosmography.
After the end of Spanish colonial rule, its use changed again. The site was used by, among others, the Colegio de Educandas del Espíritu Santo Madama Nussard and the National Museum. Later, it housed the Escuela Nacional de Ingenieros, from which today's Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería developed. Thus, several centuries of urban history are stacked on top of each other in a comparatively small area of the historic center.
Santa Rosa de Lima and the Hospital del Espíritu Santo
The connection to Santa Rosa de Lima is particularly interesting. Isabel Flores de Oliva, as Santa Rosa was originally called, was born in Lima in 1586. She lived at a time when the Hospital del Espíritu Santo already existed. According to PROLIMA, Santa Rosa had contact with the sick in the hospital. The newly accessible area therefore also complements the picture of her former living environment.
Santa Rosa de Lima was canonized in 1671 and is considered the first saint of the Americas. Her sanctuary is now one of the most important religious sites in the Peruvian capital. Especially around August 30, numerous people come here, as Santa Rosa de Lima is celebrated on this day in Peru.
More Than Just the Famous Well
Many visitors know the Santuario de Santa Rosa primarily for its well. Traditionally, people throw letters with personal wishes and requests into it. But the site offers much more. Visitors can explore areas of Santa Rosa's former living environment, the historic garden, and various religious and historical objects. Since May 2025, there has also been the Museo Casa Santa Rosa de Lima.
With the newly accessible archaeological remains, the visit is now even more extensive. Those who go to the famous well can simultaneously explore a part of the Hospital del Espíritu Santo that had been hidden for centuries beneath the earth and subsequent alterations.
Santa Rosa de Lima Can Be Easily Combined with the Old Town
The Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima is located on Avenida Tacna at the edge of the historic center. It is only about 600 meters on foot from the Plaza Mayor. This allows the visit to be easily combined with other sights in the old town.
Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, Palacio de Gobierno, and the Santo Domingo Monastery are also located in this area. Especially for travelers who want to see Lima as more than just a stopover on the way to Cusco, this offers a varied tour. The new archaeological areas make this part of the city even more interesting and reveal a side of Lima that has remained hidden even to many visitors until now.
A New Reason to Take a Closer Look at Historic Lima
The special thing about this find is not just its age. In one place, the history of a hospital from 1575, a vanished church, colonial architecture, science, and the life of Santa Rosa all converge.
At the same time, the finds are not kept behind closed doors. The city of Lima is integrating the area into the tourist offerings of the historic center. This creates another place for travelers where Peru's history can be directly understood.
Practical Information
Location: Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima
City: Lima
Area: Historic Center of Lima
Address: Avenida Tacna, first block
Distance from Plaza Mayor: approx. 600 meters or about ten minutes on foot
Newly accessible: Archaeological remains of the Hospital and the Espíritu Santo Church
Particularly worth seeing: historic paving with a six-petaled flower, walls of the former complex, archaeological structures, and the surroundings of the Santuario de Santa Rosa
As conservation work is still being carried out on the archaeological structures, accessible areas and visiting conditions may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was found at the Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima?
Archaeologists unearthed remnants of the Hospital del Espíritu Santo and its associated church. Finds included walls, historic floors, burials, 18th-century tiles, and remains of wall paintings.
How old is the Hospital del Espíritu Santo?
The hospital began operations on May 23, 1575. The complex thus has a history of more than 450 years.
Can visitors see the archaeological finds?
Yes. The city of Lima made the area accessible to visitors on August 25, 2026, and integrated it into the tourist itinerary. Individual areas may be temporarily restricted due to ongoing conservation work.
Where is the Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima located?
The sanctuary is located on Avenida Tacna in the historic center of Lima. It is approximately a ten-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor.
What else can be visited there?
The complex includes historical areas from the life of Santa Rosa, the famous wishing well, the garden, and the Museo Casa Santa Rosa de Lima.
Sources
Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima / PROLIMA, August 25, 2026
Agencia Andina, August 25, 2026
MINCETUR – National Inventory of Tourist Resources
Hero image source: Agencia Andina / Vidal Tarqui
