Best Things To See in Lima City Part 1

where you can still see the colonial part and the modern areas. Narrow streets cluttered, baroque churches. Colonial structures clad with elaborate balconies. The capital of Peru is surrounded of a variety of restaurants and museums stuffed with pre-Columbian treasures. The web of streets set in 1532 is still full of life. Lima is, also known for its gastronomy that if you have the chance to pass by here you can´t miss out the opportunity to try these exquisite dishes. best Peru Tour experience.

Lima Main Square

The Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas (as it was known until 1990), is the oldest public place in Lima. In 1535 the conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded on the area of an existing indigenous settlement the city of Lima. He designed a main square in the central part of the future city Lima with all important institutions built around it.

On the north side of Plaza Mayor is the Palacio de Gobierno, the presidential residence and in colonial times the location of Francisco Pizarros house - later the Palace of the Viceroys. On the east side you find flanked by the Archbishops Palace the Cathedral of Lima. The Palacio Municipal is located on the west side of Plaza Mayor. Depending on their importance and rank wealthy and influential immigrants were allowed to build their mansions on properties near the Plaza Mayor. In colonial Lima the main square was the economic center of the city. The arcades in front of the main buildings, the small today called Pasaje Olaya and other adjoining streets were full of all sorts of shops. The plaza housed for a long time Limas big food market.(best Peru Destination)

The Plaza Mayor was also the ceremonial center of old Lima. Here all important events took place: religious, state and military processions were held and all kinds of festivities and entertainment. The Spanish Inquisition used the Plaza Mayor for public executions of their condemned. Already in 1538 the first bullfight in Lima was held on Plaza Mayor and many others followed until the construction of the Plaza de Acho. In 1821 General Jose de San Martin declared here the independence of Peru. In it's over 500 year old history the Plaza Mayor has seen all important events of Lima and Peru. It was modified, remodelled and reconstructed many times, but its layout and significance still remains unchanged.

Museum in the Convent of San Francisco

The Church and Convent of San Francisco is besides the Cathedral of Lima probably the most significant religious complex in Lima and the most successful and impressive monument of Colonial architecture in whole Latin America. One of the "must-do's" in Lima is a highly recommended tour through the monastery. It gives an impressive inside on how religious life was during Spanish colonial times.

Coming into the monastery at the side portal of the building you enter a completely different world showing the importance of the Catholic church in Colonial times. Absolutely amazing are the beautiful preserved wooden stairs, the impressive Moorish dome over the main staircase, the outstanding library with over 25,000 volumes, the "Zurbarán - Hall", small chapels, distinctive religious paintings, small patios of typical Spanish style decorated with lovely tiles from Seville and the overwhelming former glory and wealth.(south america Peru tours)

Definitely the absolute highlight of the tour is the descent into the convents catacombs that served until 1808 as a burial ground. An estimated 30,000 deceased are buried here. Quite extraordinary: the monks arranged the remains according to bone types. Absolutely worth seeing!

Torre Tagle Palace

Considered one of the most magnificent buildings in South America, this unique mansion shows the elegance and grace of the architecture in the early 18th century. It was built in 1730 by José B. Tagle, the Marquis of Torre Tagle and treasurer of the Royal Spanish fleet. His coat of arms is still visible above the door.

Flanked by two impressive carved wooden balconies (in our opinion the most beautiful ones in Lima), the stone entrance is carved like the ones you normally find at a church. The inside court is a typical Seville style patio with extraordinary wooden balconies and galleries (beautiful!). The main hall is still furnished with lovely pieces from the 18th century. Today this best example of Colonial architecture in the country houses the Peruvian Foreign Affairs Ministry. Unfortunately it can only be visited after prior coordination or as part of a city tour offered by some tour operators in Lima.

House of the Aliaga Family

The "Casa de Aliaga" is the oldest Colonial mansion in Lima, maybe even in whole South America. The house has been owned and lived in by the Aliaga family and their descendants since Franzisco Pizarro granted the land to Jerónimo de Aliaga in 1535. Originally there was a pre-Colombian altar on that plot of land owned by "Curaca Tauli Chusco" (the reign of the Rimac valley).

Even if time, weather and pollution seem to slowly destroy the facade, the beautiful balcony is still impressive. Absolutely amazing is the inside: the inner patio is extraordinary and an imposing wooden staircase leads up to the elegant salons that are richly decorated with Colonial furniture.

The Casa Aliaga can be visited either with special tour operators in Lima or after prior arrangement with the Casa Aliaga. They as well can recommend specialized private tour guides if you wish to visit independently. Or book an absolutely stunning (but pricey) lunch or dinner with them. An incredible experience!

Presidential Palace

In 1535 Francisco Pizarro founded Lima and built his "palace" exactly on the same place where the main authority of the Rimac Valley at this time, the curazco Taulichusco, had his residence. When Lima was granted the title of Viceroyalty the "Casa de Pizarro" became the first Spanish Viceroys Palace in Lima.

Located at Lima's Main Square, called Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas, the palace is used as official residence of the Peruvian president since independence and today is also the central seat of the Peruvian government. Due to destruction by earthquakes and fires the Government Palace has been rebuilt, restored and remodeled numerous times, so today just a tree that Francisco Pizarro is assumed to have planted, might be the only remaining original piece. Nevertheless the last main construction works on the building in the 1930s gave this historical monument an impressive beauty and elegance. great Peru tour.

The Palacio de Gobierno is as well open to the public, but access may be restricted. It's necessary to either call or make an appointment at the public relations office around the corner. Best ask the guard in front of the Government Palace for directions and take your passport with you. Once inside you can enjoy the amazing patios, the richly decorated lounges, the impressive and beautiful entrance hall and all the other unbelievable treasures of nearly 500 years history of Lima yourself.

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