For this year 2026, discover the traditional tour of the 7 Churches in the Historic Center of Lima on Holy Thursday.
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Holy Thursday Tradition Starting at 5:00 p.m.
Holy Week is a devotional tradition that commemorates Jesus’ path to crucifixion. Therefore, after inspecting the temples in the Cercado de Lima district, the local municipality guarantees safe conditions for the traditional religious tours.
Additionally, the Urban Mobility Department will carry out road closures in the Historic Center from April 2 to 5, with a total vehicle ban in the Damero de Pizarro from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Inspectors will also be deployed to ensure traffic remains orderly.
According to the official schedule from the Municipality of Lima and the Archdiocese, the traditional tour of the 7 churches in the Historic Center of Lima takes place on Holy Thursday and typically begins in the afternoon, approximately between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., although many people extend it until the morning of Good Friday.
Opening Hours and Crowd Flow
- Suggested Start Time: Although there is no official “starting time” (each worshipper chooses their own route), churches in the Historic Center usually open their doors for visits to the monuments starting at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m., after the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
- Peak Visiting Hours: The heaviest flow of people occurs between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Thursday.
- Good Friday Morning: Some churches open early (around 8:00 a.m.) for those who prefer to complete the tour more quietly before the Three Hours’ Sermon (12:00 p.m.).
Most Visited Churches in the Historic Center
You can visit any of the designated temples, but the most traditional ones for the tour of the 7 churches are:
- Lima Cathedral (Plaza Mayor)
- Sagrario de Lima (next to the Cathedral)
- Basilica and Convent of San Francisco (Jr. Áncash)
- Church of San Pedro (Jr. Azángaro 451)
- Church of La Merced (Jr. de la Unión 621)
- Basilica of Santo Domingo (Jr. Camaná 170)
- Sanctuary of las Nazarenas (Av. Tacna)
You might be interested in: Discover the 21 churches in downtown Lima
Recommendations for Your Visit
- Safety: Due to the large crowds, the Municipality of Lima typically deploys a security operation and closes some streets to vehicular traffic in the Damero de Pizarro.
- Order: There is no mandatory order, but it is recommended to start with the churches farthest from Plaza Mayor to avoid central crowds early on.
Practical Tips to Keep in Mind
- Arrive early (4:30 p.m.) to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for walking several blocks.
- Keep personal belongings secure, as the flow of people is heavy.
To Conclude
If you plan to participate in the tour of the 7 churches in Downtown Lima, you should be ready on Holy Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m., with the route open until 10:00 p.m.