Historic Centre of Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a city with a thousand-year history, proof of which are the countless huacas that can be admired until now. The current city of Lima was founded on January 18, 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, soon becoming the center of Spanish imperial power in South America, being the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru for almost 300 years. During that time, the city became an important cultural, commercial, economic and political center, and its colonial architecture is a witness to that rich history.

The Historic Center of Lima is one of the oldest and best preserved in America. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the historic center of Lima is home to a large number of colonial and republican monuments and buildings. Among the most notable are:

The Plaza Mayor: The heart of the city, the Plaza Mayor is one of the most emblematic squares in America. Surrounded by the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace, the Plaza Mayor is a place of meeting and celebration.
The Cathedral of Lima: The Cathedral of Lima is the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Lima. Built in the 16th century, the cathedral is an example of Spanish colonial architecture.
The Convent of San Francisco: The Convent of San Francisco is the largest Franciscan complex in America. Founded in the 16th century, the convent houses a large number of works of art, including the famous Christ of Pachacamilla, also known as The Lord of Miracles.
The Desamparados station: Old train station, today the Museum of Peruvian Literature, houses a collection of books, manuscripts, photographs and other objects related to Peruvian literature.

In addition to its monuments, the historic center of Lima is also home to a series of traditional areas. Among the most popular are:

El Jirón de la Unión: El Jirón de la Unión is the most important street in Lima. With its elegant buildings and shops, Jirón de la Unión is an ideal place to walk and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

The Central Market: The Central Market is the largest market in Lima. With its stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and other products, the Central Market is an ideal place to discover Peruvian gastronomy.

Chinatown: Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in South America. With its restaurants, shops and temples, Chinatown is an ideal place to learn about Chinese culture.

Barrios Altos: One of the most traditional areas of Lima, it was the neighborhood of the upper class in the colonial and republican era, as witnessed by the large mansions that are preserved, the squares, cobblestone streets, and residential complexes such as La Quinta Heeren, where The richest men in the city and ambassadors resided there, giving an account of the past splendor of this Lima neighborhood.

The historic center of Lima is a fascinating place that offers visitors a unique experience. A trip to the historic center of Lima is a trip to the past, to a time when Lima was the capital of a great empire.

Why visit the historic center of Lima?

To learn about the history of Peru: The historic center of Lima is a testimony of the rich history of Peru. Its colonial and republican monuments and buildings tell the history of the city and the country.
To enjoy architecture: The historic center of Lima is an ideal place for architecture lovers. Its colonial and republican buildings are an example of Spanish and Latin American architecture.
To discover Peruvian gastronomy: The historic center of Lima is an ideal place to enjoy Peruvian gastronomy. Its restaurants offer a wide variety of typical Peruvian dishes.