Historic Centre of Lima

Historic Centre of Lima*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Plaza Mayor of Lima, core of the city
State Party	Peru
Type	Cultural
Criteria	iv
Reference	500
Region**	Latin America and the Caribbean
Inscription history
Inscription	1988  (12th Session)
Extensions	1991
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO.

The Historic Centre of Lima is the portion of the city of Lima, Peru founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro as La Ciudad de los Reyes, or "The City of Kings." It became the most important city in the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru, established by Charles V in 1542, and remained so for two centuries.

Numerous buildings in the old city, such as the Convent of San Francisco (the largest of its type in this part of the world), are the result of collaboration between Native and Old World craftsmen. Lima's historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, for its originality and high concentration of historic monuments constructed in the time of Spanish presence. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in Peru.

Foundation

Map of Historic Centre of Lima - 1750

The city of Lima, the capital of Peru, was founded by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535 and given the name "City of the Kings". Nevertheless, with time its original name persisted, which may come from one of two sources: Either the Aymara language lima-limaq (meaning "yellow flower"), or the Spanish pronunciation of the Quechuan word rimaq (meaning "talker", and actually written and pronounced limaq in the nearby Quechua I languages). It is worth noting that the same Quechuan word is also the source of the name given to the river that feeds the city, the Rimac river (pronounced as in the politically dominant Quechua II languages, with an "r" instead of an "l"). Early maps of Peru show the two names displayed jointly.

The period of colonialism in South America was a time of magnificence and grandeur. Buildings were created as works of art.

A disastrous earthquake in 1656 destroyed many of the original structures in Lima. Reconstruction was begun the following year, much of it undertaken by Portuguese architect Constantino de Vasconsellos. His protégé, Lima-born Manuel de Escobar later succeeded him in the task.

Balconies of Lima

Different types and styles of balconies can be seen in a single street, the Osambela House itself has three different types.

The Archbishops palace. To the left, the House of the Oidor.

Lima is well-known for its balconies — more than 1,600 — that were built in the viceroyalty era as well as during the republic. The abundance of these balconies adds to the particular harmony and originality in this part of the city.

The Municipality of Lima has adopted a system of "balcony adoption", giving both individuals and companies the opportunity to personally maintain a historic piece of the city.

Principal Monuments

Archbishop Palace

The Archbishop's Palace is a structure that was opened in 1924 and is considered a prime example of neo-colonial architecture that flourished in Lima during the early twentieth century. It is located on land originally allocated by Pizarro as the residence of the head priest of Lima. The first church on this site began construction in 1535. Pope Paul III named Lima an episcopal seat in 1541 and designated the palace as the primary church headquarters of the city. In 1547, Lima was elevated to an archdiocese and the building served as its headquarters.

The palace was designed by the Polish-Peruvian architect Ricardo de Jaxa Malachowski, who used the Torre Tagle Palace as a reference point. The facade is composed of baroque elements, completely constructed of reintegrated rock; ornate cedar balconies are located over the main doors, and the palace is finished by a granite sculpture of Saint Turibius of Mongrovejo, the patron protector of the Archdiocese. The palace has two flagpoles, one for the Peruvian flag and another for flag of the Vatican.

The interior, which hosts a sculpture of Santa Barbara, one of the Catholic Church's Fourteen Holy Helpers, is completely ornate. The ceiling contains famous French stained glass windows, illuminating the church during the daylight hours. Marble staircases with wooden handrails allow access to the second story. The palace now serves as headquarters to the offices of the cardinal of Peru and archbishop of Lima.

Basilica Cathedral

The construction of the Basilica Cathedral of Lima, a well-known symbol of the city, began at the city's founding in 1535. Due to the earthquakes that frequently devastated the city, it has been transformed many times, but it still retains its colonial composition and facade. It is located beside the Archbishop's Palace.

The construction on the original building was completed in 1538. It was described as primitive, small and rustic. In 1541 the church was designated a cathedral. Additional structures were built and the building upgraded over the next several years. Throughout the remainder of the century the cathedral was redesigned and rebuilt on its original foundations, in an attempt to make it resemble the Cathedral of Seville in Spain. In the following centuries, parts of the Cathedral were damaged or destroyed by earthquakes four times and was renovated after each occurrance.

The cathedral has three doors on its front facade, 14 side doors, and two back doors. Each is ornate and is named after a saint.

Along the interior walls are the Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis). The chapels are adorned with sculptures and images of numerous saints. The chapel Capilla de la Sagrada Familia (chapel of the Holy Family), features figures of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Main facade Portada del Perdón

Basilica Cathedral

Francisco Pizarro's tomb in the Basilica Cathedral

Sculpture of St. Matthew on the front facade of Basilica Cathedral

House of Aliaga

This building was constructed in 1535 on the location of a pre-Columbian sanctuary sacred site. Originally built for Jerónimo de Aliaga, standard-bearer for Francisco Pizarro, it has served as residence for his descendants since that time. It is Lima's oldest mansion, next to the Government Palace. Built in the opulent style of the viceroyalty era, and in a near perfect state of conservation, it is often used for special cultural events.

House of Oidor

File:Plan of the historical center of lima.jpg

Map of the Historic Center of Lima.

One of the oldest homes of the city belonged to the Oidor, a special administrative representative appointed by the Spanish monarchy to act in the colonial administration. The oidor traversed the territory and served as a consultant to the viceroy.

House of Pilatos

Constructed in 1590 by a Jesuit priest. The name of this large house was given by the Spaniards who arrived and noted the similarity of the house with one in Seville.

Goyeneche House

This is one of the most outstanding houses of the historical center, constructed in the middle of the eighteenth century with French influence. It is preserved in its original state with its balconies a typical characteristic of colonial Lima.

Riva Agüero House

This house was constructed in the eighteenth century by the Riva Agüero family, whose last member, Jose of the Riva Agüero, donated it to the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. It is used as headquarters of the Riva Institute, conserving historical files and a library being simultaneously used by the local Museum of Popular Art of the Pontifical University.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and Convent of Santo Domingo

Construction of the church and convent began at the founding of Lima and was not completed until the end of the sixteenth century. It is composed of three naves with a carved choral ashlar masonry in cedar wood. The church is crowned by a large cupola. The interior displays images from the first years of the City and also an image of Our Lady the Virgin of the Rosary.

The convent has Sevillian style patios in tile, with baroque style in the interior. It was here, in 1551, that the National University of San Marcos was founded, the first in the Americas.

The temple of Our Lady of the Rosary (original name of the church of Santo Domingo) was elevated to the category of basilica in 1930, and in its interior is the Altar of the Peruvian Saints, which is visited annually by thousands of residents of Peru and by many foreigners.

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco

Convento de San Francisco is the Spanish name for Saint Francis Monastery. The building is noted for its 17th century architecture, a high example of Spanish Neoclassicism. The complex contains a convent, a church, and the chapels of the Solitude and the Miracle. The cloisters and the world-renowned library are adorned with Sevillian tiles. There is a network of underground galleries and catacombs, which are said to connect to other catacombs beneath the cathedral and other area churches. The church was completed in 1674.

Plaza in front of the Church

Catacombs filled with skulls and bones, neatly organized to form geometric figures

Courtyard with cloisters

Merced Church

The Church of Merced was constructed in eighteenth century with a churrigueresco style. The church contains numerous works of art, with an emphasis on the greater altar in honor to the Virgin of Mercedes and one sacristy with arabesque tiles. The Virgin of the Mercedes is the patron of the Arms of the Nation.

Sanctuary and Monastery of Las Nazarenas

File:Las Nazarenas.jpg

Sanctuary of Las Nazarenas

Mural Señor de los Milagros painted in Santuary of Las Nazarenas in Lima-Perú

The Sanctuary and Monastery of Las Nazarenas was built in the eighteenth century, after the disastrous earthquake of 1746. The sanctuary holds the mural known as The Lord of Miracles (Jesus Christ), patron of the city.

The main Catholic festival in Peru is held here in conjunction with one of the largest processions. Every October hundreds of thousands of faithful from all races and economic backgrounds celebrate The Lord of Miracles in a religious procession through the streets of Lima. The boulevards are dressed in purple to honor the Lord on his annual procession through the streets of Lima.

Basilica of San Pedro

The main church of Society of Jesus in Peru, the building was constructed in 1638 as Church of San Pablo Apóstol. In 1767 it was renamed San Pedro.

Government Palace

File:Lima palacio.jpg

Peruvian Government Palace night view.

The Government Palace, also known as the House of Pizarro, is the residence of the President of Peru.

Pizarro built a modest two story dwelling for himself upon his arrival in Lima. The grounds were large to accommodate troops and horse stables. Upon Pizarro's death, Spanish viceroys took over the building, converted it into a Viceregal Palace and continually enlarged the building over time. It served as the residence of viceroys until they were forced out in 1821. Since that time it has served as the headquarters of the Presidents of the Republic of Peru. In 1921 fire destroyed a great deal of the building. Reconstruction was completed in 1938.

There is a well-kept garden on the grounds and a number of courtyards, halls and rooms dedicated to notable figures of Peruvian history.

Torre Tagle Palace

The interior of the Torre Tagle Palace.

Main Square.

San Martín Square.

The Torre Tagle Palace is a Spanish Baroque palace currently is home to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The palace was commissioned in 1715 (some say 1730) by Don José Tagle and Brachio (Marquis Torre Tagle), who at the time was treasurer of the Royal Spanish fleet, for his own personal use as his home.

The exterior of the palace has a baroque stone doorway. The main facade is made from stone in the first wing and plaster in the second. The style is Sevillian baroque with a strong Mudejar influence. The materials used in its construction were brought from Spain, Panama and Central America.

Apart from carved columns, the palace is distinguished by two finely worked balconies in dark wood. These balconies adapt the European architecture to vernacular Peruvian tradition. The interiors feature Sevillian tiles, plasterwork, wooden columns, lobed Moorish arches and soaring coffered ceilings. It is considered to have a true "Limeño" architectural originality, harmoniously combining Andalusian, Moorish, Criollo and Asian features.

Plaza Mayor

The Plaza Mayor is at the exact location where Francisco Pizarro founded Lima. In this plaza some of the most excellent facts of the history of the country have been developed. Initially, there were small stores and commerce. Also, it was the scene of in excess of bulls and served like the site of execution of the condemned until death by the Court of Santa Inquisición. In 1651, a bronze battery was placed in the center of the seat that lasts to date. It was in the Plaza Mayor where it was proclaimed, in 1821, the Act of Independence of Peru. It is surrounded by the Palace by Government, the Municipality of Lima, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace.

Plaza San Martin

This plaza was inaugurated in 1921 in the occasion of the centenary of the Independence of Peru. In the central part, there is a monument in honor of general José de San Martín. It was built by the Catalán sculptor Mariano Benlluire. In this plaza of important buildings, the ex- hotel Bolivar stands, who until the new millennium, was most elegant of Lima, as well as the Club Nacional, the watering hole for Lima's high society. The plaza has become one of the many symbols of Lima.

Court of Santo Oficio

The Court of Santo Oficio was established in 1569 with the purpose of sanctioning heresies and other crimes against the Catholic faith. Its abolition dates from 1820. On the external part of this monument it is possible to see an imposing neoclassic porch and, in the main hall, an outstanding carved wood ceiling, which is considered best in the city.

The Archbishop's Palace illuminated at night

References

ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

• Andrien, Kenneth. 1985. Crisis and Decline: The Viceroyalty of Peru in the Seventeenth Century. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press. ISBN 0826307914.
• Comercializadora Electrónica de Turismo. Historical Center of Lima Retrieved October 16, 2008.
• Higgings, James. 2005. Lima. A Cultural History. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195178912.
• Hunefeldt, Christine. 2004. A Brief History of Peru. New York: Checkmark Books. ISBN 081605794X.
• Walker, Charles. "The upper classes and their upper stories: architecture and the aftermath of the Lima earthquake of 1746." Hispanic American Historical Review 83 (1): 53–82.

External links

All Links Retrieved October 16, 2008.

• Article in the Spanish language newspaper ABC about the House of Aliaga
• About the Historical Center
• Religion in the City of the Kings of Peru
• 360° view of Lima Main Square

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