Historic Centre of Lima
Peru ·
Description
Pizarro founded Lima in 1535 as capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, and for three centuries it was South America's most important city. The Plaza Mayor, with its cathedral holding the conquistador's remains, is flanked by buildings with elaborate wooden balconies of Mudéjar influence. Beneath the San Francisco convent, 25,000 bones rest in labyrinthine catacombs. Lima fuses pre-Hispanic, colonial, and republican heritage in unique gastronomic and architectural patrimony.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Lima was South America's most important political, economic, and cultural center during the Spanish colonial period. The historic center preserves a remarkable ensemble of religious and civil architecture from the 16th-18th centuries, including exceptional examples of wooden balconies unique in the world.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Daytime is safe with normal precautions. Avoid displaying valuables and stay on main streets. The area around Plaza Mayor is well-patrolled.
Yes, they're impressive and spine-chilling. 45-minute guided tours include the church, library, and catacombs. Book ahead in high season.
May-November is drier (though Lima rarely has blue sky). December-April has more humidity. The historic center can be visited year-round.
Central Market and Surquillo for local food. Miraflores and Barranco have fine dining. Don't miss ceviche, causa, and lomo saltado.
Torre Tagle Palace (best colonial balcony), Casa Aliaga (oldest in Americas), Larco Museum (pre-Columbian art), and Barranco and Miraflores neighborhoods.