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The heart of Lima is found in its historic center. Once an Inca city of some importance, Lima became a major city under the Spanish, who decided to establish a port here. Although their first efforts at building a city on the site were destroyed in a 1746 earthquake, the city was rebuilt and today is home to some of the most impressive architecture in the Americas.
Any visitor to Lima will probably visit the historical center at some point. All of the important churches, monasteries, and plazas are located there, as well as many of the most interesting museums. There are also a number of hotels and hostals, the most interesting of which are stately colonial homes that have been converted to hotels. The backpacker set in particular will find Central Lima's hotels affordable and unique.
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Iglesia de San Pedro
A stunning church built by the Jesuits starting in the 16th century, St. Peter’s Church is one of Lima’s best-known landmarks. It is now a major visitor destination, as it features an impressive ...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
San Francisco
San Francisco is a sixteenth-century church and convent located in central Lima. Visitors can stroll around the gorgeous courtyards and marvel at the woodwork, tiles and paintings that adorn the ...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Palacio de Gobierno
On the northeast side of the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace is one of the city’s architectural delights. The home of the president was built in the 1920s and 30s in several phases by several ...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Lima Cathedral / Catedral de Lima
The Lima Cathedral, known simply as La Catedral in the city, is a highlight of any visit. The first stone of the cathedral was laid by Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who defeated the ...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Correo Central de Lima
Not just a post office, this very big and ornate edifice behind the Palace of the Governor in the historical center is worth visiting simply for its architecture. The building also serves as a
...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Casa Torre Tagle
One of the oldest and most accomplished expressions of Spanish colonialism, the Casa Torre Tagle merits a visit. It is named after the Marquis Torre Tagle, a former treasurer of the Spanish Armada.
...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Iglesia de La Merced
One of the oldest churches in all of South America, founded in 1535 by Fray Miguel de Orenes, who was reputed to be 110 years old at the time, the Iglesia de la Merced features a very elaborate, ...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Casa Goyeneche
Across the street from the Casa Torre Tagle, is the Casa Goyeneche, also known as the Casa Rada, constructed 40 years later. These side-by-side buildings provide a striking opportunity to observe the
...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Iglesia de Jesús, Maria y José
This smallish church doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the baroque interior—considered the best baroque church interior in Lima—is worth a look if you’re ...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Casa de Aliaga
Casa de Aliaga, or the Aliaga Home, is a fascinating home and museum. Jerónimo de Aliaga was one of Francisco Pizarro’s most trusted lieutenants during the exploration and conquest of Peru, and he ...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Italian Art Museum / Museo de Arte Italiano
Only a short distance from the Parque de la Exposición, the Museo de Arte Italiano (Italian Art Museum) is a pleasant detour into Renaissance culture, complete with a neo-classical building and
...Central Lima, Lima, Peru
Central Lima is hell
Although there is every reason to go to the central city, for historic sites and government offices, it is truly a horrible place to visit. The traffic is obscene, the noise deafening, the environment so polluted that a bath is a must after every visit, and the roving bands of thieves simply make it dangerous. Once you get to know the area the shopping is amazing (the craft mall near the government palace is the only place to buy gifts and the bootleg book market is just a fun place to be) but in both places expect to be followed by young men looking for a chance to grab anything you make available.
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