The History of Miraflores

History

By Christopher Minster

This attractive area, with its ocean views and cliffs, was one of the first areas to be settled by the Spanish after Lima was founded. It was named San Miguel de Miraflores in 1535.  From 1879 to 1884, Peru and Bolivia united to fight Chile in South America' s bloodiest war, the War of the Pacific. One of the most famous battles was the Battle of Miraflores, in January 1881, in which 2,000 dedicated Peruvians fought the invading Chileans in Miraflores. They were Lima’s last line of defense. The Peruvians, short on munitions and outnumbered, were defeated and Lima was sacked. Nevertheless, the bravery of the Miraflores defenders is remembered today: Miraflores' official nickname is "the heroic city." One famous resident of the Miraflores district was Ricardo Palma (1833-1919), one of Peru's most celebrated writers.

In the nineteenth century, the area became known as a beach resort of sorts and its popularity grew. By the 1950s, it was one of Lima's most important districts. In 1992, the infamous Sendero Luminoso ("the Shining Path") detonated a car bomb in Miraflores; weeks later, terrorist leader Abimaél Guzmán was captured in nearby Surcillo, only blocks away from Miraflores.

Today, Miraflores is one of the most affluent and attractive sectors of Lima. The streets are lined with trees, the buildings are well-kept and street crime is closely controlled (although not nonexistent). An effort has been made to preserve green space in Miraflores, and the dedication of the famous "Lover's Park" is a step in the right direction. The central square, Parque Kennedy, is great for strolling and hosts occasional art shows and flea markets.