The Historic Center of Lima is a must-see destination during your visit to Lima. Here you will find buildings, squares, mansions, museums and more enclosures with colonial architecture that to date are very well preserved, which will immediately transport you to the 16th century. Not for nothing, the Historic Center of Lima was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Truly a place rich in history and architecture, showing in every corner the history of our great Peru. Without further ado, in this article I show you the architectural wonders of Lima and the most recurrent and important places to make your visit to Lima a success.
Index
Lima Main Square
Undoubtedly, the heart of the Historic Center of Lima is its Plaza de Armas, this beautiful and imposing square was founded in 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, when he established Lima as the capital of Peru. The Plaza de Armas is considered an important administrative center, in its surroundings you will find the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishopric of Lima and other notable buildings. As I mentioned before, it is not for nothing that all the buildings that make up the Historic Center of Lima were declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In the center of the Plaza de Armas in Lima you will find a historic bronze fountain that was created in the 17th century by the Portuguese sculptor João da Silva, this fountain has a snake that rises from the water, which is considered a work of colonial art. In addition, this square is very crowded by travelers and locals, being in many occasions, the epicenter of cultural and political meetings.
Traditional balcony in the Historic Center of Lima
Casa de Correos, Lima
Basilica Cathedral of Lima
This architectural jewel is located, nothing more and nothing less, than in front of the Plaza de Armas of Lima. This important work was founded in 1535, along with the aforementioned square by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, being one of the oldest churches in South America. This impressive architectural work has a carved stone façade and its design is a captivating mixture of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles.
Inside the Cathedral of Lima you will find numerous chapels, crypts and altars containing centuries-old art and relics, such as paintings and religious artifacts.
Many times its towers are open to the public so that visitors can appreciate the Main Square of Lima and the city of Lima from the top. If you visit the museum of the Cathedral I suggest you ask if climbing the towers is allowed, as you can have a wonderful view of Lima. Do not forget!
The visit to the museum of the Cathedral also allows you to access the crypts and tombs that are under the same cathedral, where the remains of important figures of Peruvian history and religiosity rest.
The Cathedral of Lima can only be accessed with a guide, this with the intention of monitoring the safety and integrity of the works that are there.
The Cathedral of Lima not only opens its doors as a museum but also as a place of worship and cultural, as there are celebrated masses and music and singing shows.
Important facts:
Although the entrance to the museum of the Cathedral includes guide, usually an additional pecuniary collaboration is requested for the guides who work there, which is usually between S/. 10 to 15 soles (USD 5 to 6 dollars) per group.
In addition, you can access the joint ticket, this ticket allows you to enter the Cathedral of Lima and the Archbishop’s Palace for a lower price than the total sum of the 2 tickets. I suggest you take this ticket because these 2 sites are great.
The guide can be in English or Spanish. The guides have a good level of English.
Admission hours of the Cathedral Museum of Lima
Monday to Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Entrance fee (updated)
General admission (foreign): S/. 30 soles (USD 8 dollars)
General admission (national): S/. 20 soles (USD 6 dollars)
Foreign children (up to 12 years old): S/. 15 soles (USD 4 dollars)
Senior citizen, children (60 -12 years old) : S/. 10 soles (USD 2.5 dollars)
University students and students from national institutes: S/. 10 soles (USD 2.5 dollars)
School delegations: S/. 5 soles (USD 1.5 dollars)
Main façade of the Cathedral Basilica of Lima
Altar of the Basilica Cathedral of Lima
Interior of the Basilica Cathedral of Lima
Basilica Cathedral of Lima
Archbishop’s Palace of Lima
This is, without a doubt, one of the places in the Historic Center of Lima that has captivated and surprised us the most. This palace is located just to the right side of the Cathedral of Lima and was founded in the 16th century.
The Archbishop’s Palace of Lima reflects the colonial elegance and wealth. The facade of the Archbishop’s Palace is one of the most visually charming, as it features baroque style details and 2 traditional wooden balconies.
Inside the Archbishop’s Palace is the Museum of Religious Art, one of the most important in Peru and where furniture, paintings, sculptures, costumes and other religious artifacts that will surprise you, which for better or worse, reflects the wealth, influence and power of the Catholic Church in Peru and the world. This palace was also home and residence of Spanish viceroys and archbishops.
A curious fact about this palace that our friendly guide told us, is that in this place to this day weddings are celebrated, but not of any ordinary citizen, but of the citizens of the highest elite of Lima, as it is a privilege of few to marry in the spectacular Archbishop’s Palace of Lima. To give you an idea of how impressive is the Archbishop’s Palace here I leave you photos of its interior.
Important facts:
You can access the joint ticket, this ticket allows you to enter the Cathedral of Lima and the Archbishop’s Palace for a lower price than the total sum of the 2 tickets. I suggest you take this ticket.
The guide can be in English or Spanish. The guides have a good level of English.
Entrance hours
Monday to Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Entrance fee (updated)
General admission (foreigners): S/. 20 soles (USD 6 dollars)
General admission (nationals): S/. 15 soles (USD 5 dollars)
Archbishopric of Lima
Archbishopric of Lima
Archbishopric of Lima
Main altar, gold-plated, of the Archbishopric of Lima
Municipal Palace of Lima
The Municipal Palace is located north of the Plaza de Armas of Lima and was founded in the 16th century with the initial intention of housing great representatives who fulfilled political and administrative functions in the Republic of Peru, which was so for many years. Currently, the palace serves as the headquarters of the Municipality of Lima and the mayor’s office, so its importance at the administrative and political level is still valid.
The facade of the Municipal Palace is neo-colonial style, although it was founded in the 16th century, it was reinstated in 1944 due to a fire in 1943. The interior of the palace is of French Renaissance style and both the main courtyard and the galleries are made of white marble and its upper stained glass is of modernist trend.
A curious fact about the Municipal Palace is that being a precinct of administrative and political activities of the City of Lima, in this palace are celebrated group weddings, decorations to athletes and important artists.
Important information
To take the free guided tour of the Municipal Palace you will have to pay attention to the weekly agenda published every Monday or Tuesday by the area of Economic Development of the Municipality of Lima through its fan page.
In this agenda is published not only the option to visit the Municipal Palace of Lima but also options for visits to other tourist sites in Lima, you just have to register, because they have limited vacancies.
You can register as a foreigner with your passport number. Normally the guides are made in Spanish.
Here is the link to the official fan page: https://www.facebook.com/LimaDesarrolloEconomico
Municipal Palace of Lima
Hall of the Ambassadors of the Municipal Palace of Lima
Hall of Mirrors of the Municipal Palace of Lima
Municipal Palace of Lima
Government Palace of Peru
The Palace of Government of Peru also known as ”the House of Pizarro”, is an important precinct of the government of Peru since it is the official residence of the president of the Republic of Peru in turn, however, this is not currently carried out, although it is still the main offices where the president spends most of the time fulfilling his presidential functions.
The Palace of Government is located on the east side of the Plaza de Armas in Lima. This place holds a lot of history as it was the residence and administrative center of Spanish viceroys and the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The palace is an outstanding example of Spanish colonial architecture, characterized by its ornate balconies, large facade and intricate stone carvings. The building has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the years.
A popular attraction for visitors is the daily changing of the guard ceremony of the Húsares de Junín, which takes place at the main entrance of the Government Palace. This colorful and ceremonial event occurs at noon and is a spectacle to behold. So I recommend you appreciate it when you visit the Plaza de Armas in Lima.
On the official website of the Government Palace you can take 360°virtual tours, the website is: https://www.presidencia.gob.pe/portalgob/recorrido-360/inicio.html. These tours provide information about the history, architecture and significance of the palace.
If you wish to take a tour in person, you should contact the following numbers and e-mail:
(+ 51) 01 6305600 annexes (4308) (4309)
Email: jturismo@presidencia.gob.pe
Government Palace, Lima
View of the Plaza de Armas from the Lima Municipal Palace
House of Literature
The Casa de la Literatura is a French academic style building built on the old “Estación Desamparados”, the building has a library called Mario Vargas Llosa, in honor of the Peruvian writer who won the novel prize of literature in 2010. In addition, it also has a children’s reading room called Cota Carvallo, which is ideal for children to get interested in reading.
It also has a space called Café Literario, which serves as an outdoor meeting area for readers, in particular this place seems excellent for reading in peace, not to mention that it has an impressive view of Cerro San Cristobal and the Parque de la Muralla, also having been years ago a train station you can see the old freight train passing by.
The mission of the Casa de la Literatura is to spread the knowledge of literature in adults, youth and children through programs and activities such as workshops, book presentations, plays, fairs and much more.
Hours of operation
Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Important Information
La Casa de la Literatura is open to the public.
Location: Jirón Ancash 207, a few steps from the Plaza Mayor of Lima.
Official website: https://www.casadelaliteratura.gob.pe/
Lima House of Literature
Printing press of the Casa de la Literatura of Lima
Stained glass window of the Casa de la Literatura of Lima
Lima House of Literature
Casa de la Literatura de Lima Library
Jiron de la Union
The Jiron de la Union is a very popular pedestrian street in the Historic Center of Lima as it connects the most popular squares of the Historic Center of Lima, we are talking about the Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas of Lima and Plaza San Martin.
This pedestrian street, besides joining two major historical sites, is a very busy place for hosting large stores, popular restaurants, bars and fast food stalls, so many Lima residents and travelers enjoy walking this great passage.
The popular Jiron de la Union is not only a conduit between two great tourist places, since this street also keeps history because in it are very important and significant mansions and buildings, such as La Merced Church, Casa O’Higgins, the mansion of the Central Photography of 1865, Casa Tambo, among other buildings.
Municipal Palace of Lima, Historic Center of Lima
Archbishop’s Palace of Lima
San Martin Square
The San Martin Square founded in 1921 is the second most important square in Lima after the Plaza Mayor, as it is located in the heart of the Historic Center of Lima and surrounded by main streets such as Colmena Avenue and Jiron de la Union.
This important square is named after General Don Jose de San Martin, one of the most important leaders in the South American struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule, so in its center you will find a statue of this character in tribute to his contribution to the liberation of Peru and other South American countries.
San Martin Square in addition to commemorating a great hero, is an architectural beauty that is surrounded by neoclassical and art deco styles. Around the Plaza San Martin you will find an infinity of restaurants, bars and street food stalls, which give a bohemian and nocturnal touch to the city of Lima.
San Francisco Basilica and Convent
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco is one of the most emblematic and historically significant religious complexes in Lima. The construction of the basilica and convent began in 1672. The complex is famous for its Baroque and Mudejar architecture.
The facade of the basilica is characterized by intricate stone carvings, and the interior features beautifully decorated chapels, altars and cloisters. This beautiful basilica is still a place of worship and is open to the public for visits, masses and religious events. The pragramción of masses can be obtained in the same basilica and on the facebook page of the Basilica of San Francisco, the link is: https://www.facebook.com/ConventoSanFrancisco12/?locale=es_LA
Location: Plazuela San Francisco, Cercado de Lima (Corner Jirones Ancash with Lampa)
Admission hours
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 8:45 pm
San Francisco Basilica and Convent
Catacombs Museum
This Catacombs museum is located on the right side of the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, since the museum is part of this basilica. In this museum you can appreciate a wide collection of religious art including paintings, sculptures and decorative elements. One of the great stars of this museum, besides its famous catacombs, is its library, which holds more than 25,000 ancient texts and manuscripts in various languages, such as German, English, French and Latin, these ancient texts are not accessible to the public, you can only observe the library from a safe distance.
On the other hand, the catacombs can be accessed, in them you will find hundreds of human remains, since many years ago the churches, basilicas and cathedrals served as a burial place for many people, in the belief that they would be closer to heaven, forgiveness and God.
Curious facts: only in the churches were buried brotherhoods and guilds of the middle and upper class of Lima, after a while the catacombs did not have enough space to accommodate so many dead, so the cemeteries were created: El Angel and Presbítero Maestro, the best known and oldest in Lima.
Important facts
Tours are given in Spanish and English. The duration of the tour is approximately 45 minutes and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. It is important to know that all tours must be done with a guide present, the cost of the guide is already included in your ticket, but in many occasions we usually give a tip to the guides for their good work.
You can buy the ticket at the museum ticket office.
Location: Plazuela San Francisco, Cercado de Lima (Corner of Jirones Ancash with Lampa)
Admission hours
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission fee (updated)
Adult (national or foreigner): S/. 20 soles (USD 6 dollars)
University or technical student: S/. 10 soles (USD 3.10 dollars)
Children: S/. 5 soles (USD 2 dollars)
Façade of the San Francisco Church, Lima
Library of the Catacombs Museum, San Francisco Church
Interior of the Catacombs Museum
Santo Domingo Convent and Museum
One of the oldest places in the city of Lima is the Santo Domingo Convent and Museum, this historical precinct was founded in 1535 by the Dominican order, one of the first orders that entered the country along with the Spaniards, making it one of the oldest convents in Latin America. It is also considered a World Heritage Site and Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
The Santo Domingo Convent and Museum has a colonial church called Nuestra Señora del Rosario, also known as the Basilica Menor, which has a baroque façade and an impressive main altar, which is decorated with gold.
This impressive Santo Domingo Convent and Museum has 2 cloisters, the main one has a pool, which is considered the second oldest in Lima, the first is located in the Plaza Mayor of Lima, another important feature of this main cloister are the striking tiles that have the walls of the cloister, plus the canvases where you can see the life of Santo Domingo de Guzman, The secondary cloister has arches around and statues of Peruvian saints.
The Santo Domingo Convent as well as the Museum of Catacombs of the Basilica and San Francisco Convent, has subway catacombs that served as a cemetery for the Dominican friars and the elite of Lima in colonial times, also, you will find crypts where the remains of Peruvian saints rest: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres and San Juan Macias.
In addition, this convent has a library with more than 25,000 texts and manuscripts dating from the 16th and 18th centuries, translated into several languages, such as English, Portuguese, Latin and, of course, Quechua and Aymara (native Peruvian languages).
View from the bell tower of Santo Domingo Convent and Museum
Also in the Convent and Museum of Santo Domingo you can have a panoramic view of the City of Lima through the bell tower, which is more than 46 meters high and has 165 steps. At the top of the tower you will appreciate the sculpture of the archangel Gabriel.
Important facts
Small children are not allowed to enter the bell tower, as the stairs are very rustic and the railings at the top of the tower are very open, making it a bit risky for the little ones.
Tours are given in Spanish and English.
There are also night tours, but to see the dates I suggest you enter the facebook page of the Santo Domingo Museum that I will leave below.
There are civil and religious marriage ceremonies, this initiative has very little time and it is really incredible that they give space to citizens to enjoy a photo shoot and a reception in a place so important historically in Peru.
Admission hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Entrance fee (updated)
General admission (national and foreign): S/. 15 soles (USD 4.5 dollars)
Location
Jirón Camaná 170 – Lima, one block from the Plaza Mayor.
Another reference: next to the Plazuela las limeñitas (in front of the Alameda Chabuca Granda).
For more information you can enter the official pages of the Santo Domingo Convent and Museum:
https://es-la.facebook.com/museo.santodomingo/
https://museoconventosantodomingo.negocio.site/ https://museoconventosantodomingo.negocio.site/
Santo Domingo Convent and Museum
Main Cloister of the Santo Domingo Convent and Museum
Nuestra Señora del Rosario del Convento Church and Santo Domingo Museum
Library of the Santo Domingo Convent and Museum
Secondary Cloister of the Santo Domingo Convent and Museum
Tiles in the main cloister of the Santo Domingo Convent and Museum