Six things to see in Lima

City List

By Ricardo Segreda

Parque de la Exposición

The Parque de la Exposición (A.K.A. Cultura) downtown is a tribute to Lima’s urban planners from the 19th century. It was conceived and built in 1868 as the Parque de la Exposición, and  is still referred to this way by many locals. It’s mix of fountains, Victorian houses and modern art make this a popular favorite.

Avenida Wilson and 28 de Julio, Central Lima

National Museum

The largest museum in Peru features four floors of history and exhibits in a large, sprawling building in the San Borja neighborhood.  The museum provides a fairly complete overview of Peruvian history and culture. Of particular interest are the sections on pre-Spanish life in the area and the reproductions of Peru's major archaeological sites.

Address: Avenida Javier Prado Este 2465, Lima, 41 Phone: 01/476-9875

Parque de la Muralla

This new park, complete with a pedestrian walkway, sits on the banks of the Rio Rimac. During its construction diggers unearthed the remains of 500 year old city walls that were once meant to repel both the rising river and Dutch pirates. A small museum on the site explains some of the history of wall.

Avenida Abancay and Jiron Amazonas Central Lima, Peru

The San Francisco Catacombs

This Franciscan church and monastery is one of the most haunting (almost literally) and memorable sites in all of Lima. Originally constructed in 1546, it is the oldest church in South America. It also served as the first official Catholic cemetery in Lima, at a time when the dead were laid to rest in catacombs beneath the church. You will get to visit the catacombs and view the hundreds of centuries old bones and scores of skulls as part of the guided tour. The church also has one of the oldest and most historically significant libraries in the Americas and dramatic collections of religious and secular art, including renaissance era tiles imported from Spain.

Plaza San Francisco, Lima; Jiron Ancash and Lampa

Central Lima

Phone: 51-1-426-7377/427-1381, ext 111

URL: www.museocatacumbas.com

Gold Museum

The Gold Museum features gold figures, jewelry, masks, knives and artifacts from the Inca and colonial periods. It also contains mummies, headdresses and other ancient relics. In 2001, a huge scandal broke: it was proven that many of the pieces in the museum were fakes. The museum now only houses genuine pieces, although there is still a cloud of skepticism that hangs over the exhibits. Upstairs from the Gold Museum is the equally fascinating Arms museum, which houses weapons and armor from many cultures. Artifacts from Peru's history are also on display.

Address: Alonso de Molina 1100, Lima, Peru

Phone: 01/345-1271

COST: S/30.

Plaza de Armas

Throughout history the Plaza de Armas  has been a focal point of Lima, with its cathedrals, ornate buildings and government palace. Created  in 1650, the Plaza de Armas spans four large blocks, with a park in the center. A bronze fountain with an angel perched on top blowing a trumpet is its centerpiece. The Plaza is surrounded by such landmarks as the Governor’s Palace, the Catedral de Lima, and the stylish post office, the Correo Central. There is a ceremonial changing of the guard six days a week, as well as regular marching band performances.