Archaeologists in Lima have uncovered the remains of a 16th-century colonial hospital and an adjacent church used to treat sick sailors [1].
The find provides a rare physical record of the medical infrastructure established during the Spanish colonial era. It offers insight into how the empire managed public health for the maritime workers who sustained its Pacific trade routes.
Located in the historic center of Lima, the ruins sit only a few blocks from the presidential palace [2]. The hospital was specifically built to provide medical care for sailors who visited Peru’s Pacific ports [3].
Records indicate the facility dates back to the 1570s [1]. It remained in operation for more than two centuries, serving the maritime community until shortly before 1821 [4].
The discovery includes the foundations of both the medical facility and the accompanying church. During the colonial period, it was common for hospitals to be paired with religious institutions to provide both physical, and spiritual care to the infirm.
Researchers announced the discovery on Aug. 26 [1]. The site is now a focal point for understanding the urban evolution of Lima, as the city grew around these early colonial structures.
“The hospital was specifically built to provide medical care for sailors who visited Peru’s Pacific ports.”
This discovery highlights the strategic importance of Lima as a colonial hub for the Spanish Empire. By establishing specialized medical facilities for sailors, the colonial administration ensured the health of the workforce essential for transporting silver and goods across the Pacific, linking Peru to Spain and Asia.
