Historic Centre of Lima

Historic Centre of Lima

The city of Lima was officially founded in 1535, and due to its political, economic, and cultural roles, the Historic Centre of Lima became an outstanding example of early Spanish colonial town planning and urban development in Latin America. Historically, Lima served as a hub for political, religious, and administrative functions, and it is now the capital of Peru.

Most of the architectural monuments in the Historic Centre of Lima date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Many religious and civil buildings reflect the Baroque style and stand as examples of the unique and unified architectural artistry of Spain and the Americas. Elaborately carved gateways and wooden balconies add a lavish and distinctive character to the city. In addition to these highly significant monuments, the historic centre also contains pre-colonial remains, notably the Plaza de Armas of Florida. As planned, the grid layout of the city reflects the selection and unity of its architectural heritage, with most of the important monuments located around the Plaza de Armas, the colonial heart of the city, while the older residential districts lie to the south.

The perpendicular grid layout of central Lima has remained intact and continues to function as originally intended. The urban design of the old town has largely resisted the modernizing influences that transformed other cities around the world in the second half of the 19th century.

Historic Centre of Lima

Must-visit reason: The most typical representation of the Baroque style

Continent where the attraction is located: South America

Country/region where the attraction is located: Peru

Province/state where the attraction is located: Lima Province

City where the attraction is located: Lima