Lima
Our Peruvian adventure hasn’t finished yet. We still had to explore Lima- capital and largest city in Peru, home to almost 11 million people with area of over 2,800 km2.
Lima was established by the Spanish Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and gained prestige after it was designated as capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. It flourished as centre of extensive trade network between the Viceroyalty and rest of the Americas. Lima became capital following Peru’s independence. Powerful earthquakes damaged the city in the past, such as the ones in 1687, 1746 and 1940. In the mid 1940s, rapid growth took place as the result of migration from the Andean region as well as from overseas. The population almost multiplied by five times from the 1940s to the 1960s. Today it is the country’s centre for economic, political, cultural and educational activities.
We stayed in the Miraflores area, which is an exclusive residential and upscale shopping district south of downtown Lima. It is also home to the best restaurants in the city, as well as close to the beaches on the country’s Pacific coastline.
For public transportation around the city, there is the MTS buses and taxis.
We spent one and a half day exploring Lima’s historic sites (and of course the very famous Peruvian cuisine) before we continued our journey to the west coast of USA.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is centrally located in the centre of Lima and is the birthplace of the city. It is surrounded by among others: Government Palace, Basilica Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace and Municipal Palace.
During the colonial era, this plaza served as a market, bull fighting ring and a place for execution. Today, it is a tourist destination as well as a social meeting point for the locals. The neighbouring area of Plaza Mayor is also busy with cafes and shops.
Government Palace
Government Palace is also known as House of Pizarro. It was built with Neobaroque style in the mid 16th century by Francisco Pizarro who was Governor of New Castille. It became the residence of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Today it is the seat of the executive branch of government, as well as the official residence of the President.
Cathedral of Lima
The Basilica Cathedral of Lima was constructed in 1535 and was dedicated to St John, Apostle and Evangelist. It has gone through several reconstructions since it was built. This cathedral is also home to the tomb of Francisco Pizarro.
Archbishop’s Palace
This is the residence of the Archbishop of Lima, as well as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lima. It was built from 1535 to 1548 with a baroque style architecture.
Municipal Palace
One of the newer buildings in the Plaza, this was built in 1939 with a colonial style architecture. This building is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Municipality.
Most of the buildings surrounding this square are constructed and designed with balconies from the colonial and republican periods which gives Lima a unique feature in its style of architecture.
Almost all of Lima’s city tour commence from Plaza Mayor.
Visiting Peru will always be one of my most special trips. Not only because I was travelling with my two sons, but also because I find the country remarkably beautiful and the people kind and friendly. And of course, the food, which I can describe in one word: amazing. Please go visit this remarkable country in South America, you will absolutely love it.