Historic Centre of Lima
| Historic Centre of Lima* | |
|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| 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
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
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.
- 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
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.
Merced Church
The Church of Merced was constructed in eighteenth century with a churrigueresco style; appreciating it as much external as internally, the visitor occurs an idea of the splendor of the architecture of the time. In this church, full of works of art there is an emphasis on the greater altar in honor to the Virgin of Mercedes and one sacristía with arabesque tiles. Here it is possible to see one of the decks of collections of paintings and colonial statures of the city. The Virgin of the Mercedes is the patron of the Arms of the nation.
Sanctuary and Monastery of Las Nazarenas
Sanctuary where is venerated main Peruvian catholic devotion Lord of Miracles, Señor de los Milagros, who is Patron of the city. It was constructed together with Monastery of Nazarenas nuns in eighteenth century, after a hard earthquake in 1746.
Basilica of San Pedro
Main church of Society of Jesus in Peru, it was constructed in 1638 as Church of San Pablo Apóstol. In 1767 it was called San Pedro.
Government Palace
The Government Palace is the residence of the President of the Republic. Its original name is the House of Pizarro but informally it is designated to him like the Palace of Government.
Torre Tagle Palace
The Palace of Torre Tagle probably is the most significant mansion built at the beginning of the eighteenth century. Initially it belonged to Don Bernardine Jose of Tagle Portocarrero, fourth and last Marquess of Torre Tagle. The Peruvian state acquired it in 1918 and from 1919 it is the main headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru. It is made of artistic Limean architecture which describes its originality and also demonstrates the racially mixed contributions of the Viceroyalty of Peru, fitting them together harmoniously. It has a carved stone cover and two balconies, that are authentic jewels of the City of the Kings. One is in perfect state of conservation.
University Park
This park was constructed in 1870. In 1921 the park was located in where the cultural Center of the National University of San Marcos now stands. In the occasion of the centenary of the independence of the nation, the German colony arranged to construct the 30 meter Tower of the Clock. At noon, their bells touch notes of the national anthem.
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.
ReferencesISBN 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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