Lima archaeologists discover 16th-century colonial hospital ruins

Archaeologists in Lima, Peru, have discovered the ruins of the 16th-century Hospital del Espíritu Santo and an adjacent church beneath the Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima. The complex, which dates back to approximately 1575, was originally established by a Greek sailor named Miguel de Acosta to treat sailors and maritime workers docking at Pacific ports during the Spanish Viceroyalty.

Excavations led by PROLIMA revealed architectural remains including walls made of stone, brick, and adobe joined with lime mortar. Researchers also uncovered human remains, including six skeletons likely belonging to former patients, some found in rectangular niches. Among the recovered artifacts are 18th-century Valencian tiles with vegetal motifs and an 18th-century ceramic oil lamp found near a skeleton.

The hospital reportedly had a capacity of about 70 beds, and historical accounts suggest that sailors' wages were partially deducted to fund its maintenance. The site, which included the Church of the Holy Spirit to allow patients to attend mass, operated until the early years of the Peruvian Republic. The discovery is expected to be incorporated into Lima's tourist circuit.