Centuries-Old Hospital and Church Uncovered Near Saint Rose of Lima Sanctuary

A major archaeological discovery has been unveiled in Peru, right next to the historic house and Sanctuary of Saint Rose of Lima. Announced on Tuesday, August 25, by the Municipal Program for the Recovery of the Historic Center of Lima (ProLima), the excavations exposed the structural remains of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit—originally founded in 1575—alongside an adjoining church of the same name. The announcement comes just days before the August 30 feast day honoring Saint Rose, the first canonized saint of the Americas.

ProLima director Luis Martín Bogdanovich highlighted the profound historical connection between the site and the saint’s legacy, noting that Saint Rose was born right next to the 16th-century hospital. The institution’s proximity likely played a defining role in shaping her renowned spirit of service and lifelong dedication to caring for the sick. Beyond its spiritual resonance, local officials view the excavation as a key step in reclaiming the city’s historical memory and expanding Lima’s cultural footprint ahead of the annual influx of pilgrims.

The excavation site has yielded a vast array of artifacts spanning the 16th through 19th centuries, including human skeletal remains believed to belong to sailors treated at the hospital. Among the physical items recovered are fragments of mural paintings, Valencian tiles, glazed ceramics, Chinese earthenware plates, and English porcelain. Archaeologists also uncovered a paved entrance to the hospital featuring a decorative six-petaled flower design inlaid with animal bone fragments, a characteristic technique of the viceregal era.

Following proper conservation efforts, the artifacts will be put on public display at the former Hotel Comercio, a space dedicated to Lima’s archaeological heritage. Lima Mayor Renzo Reggiardo praised the recovery efforts, calling the nearly 500-year-old discovery a vital contribution to local identity. The site is set to be integrated into the city’s broader historical and tourist circuit, allowing both visitors and pilgrims to view the findings firsthand.