What to see in Lima, itinerary including the main monuments and places of interest, including Plaza Mayor, San Francesco Monastery, Government Palace and Gold Museum.
Where is it
Located along the central coast, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountain range, Lima is the capital of Peru, a city of ancient history, although some architecture from the past has been totally or largely destroyed by frequent earthquakes of centuries.
What see
In the splendid center of the city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the main attraction is the Monasterio de San Francisco, built in Baroque style, with the characteristic portico and the library that collects ancient books.
In Lima there are elegant neighborhoods, including the bohemian village of Barranco, famous for its very creative inhabitants, including artists, photographers and musicians.
There is no shortage of things to do both at night and during the day, a visit to the food market, sitting in a nice café, tasting culinary specialties in the lively restaurants of which there is a wide choice and for all budgets.
Along the coast, temperatures are mild all year round, sea and surf enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of the beautiful beaches.
The Monastery of San Francesco is one of the greatest treasures of Lima, its library contains over 25,000 ancient texts, some dating back even before the colonial period, the catacombs were the first major city burial place.
In the refectory you can admire thirteen paintings depicting the biblical figures of Jacob and his sons, in addition to the carved cedar wood of the dome that overlooks the staircase from the library.
Plaza de Armas, also called Plaza Mayor and comprising gardens, old street lamps and a bronze fountain, constitutes a living representation of the elegance that prevailed in colonial times.
On the north side of the square dominates the Government Palace, now the residence of the President of the Republic, which can be visited on reservation made one day in advance.
The main attraction is the changing of the guard, inside there are some remains of Spanish Baroque and a small Museum of Religious Art.
Recommended readings- Lima (Peru): what to see
- Cusco (Peru): what to see in the archaeological site
- Peru: useful information
- Machu Picchu (Peru): what to see in the lost city of the Incas
- Apurimac: Peru's river that feeds the Amazon River
The Barranco is a popular neighborhood that attracts a lot of people, especially on the weekend, with its lively array of restaurants and night clubs, very creative inhabitants and a panoramic position overlooking the sea.
Compared to Saturday and Sunday, during the week you can breathe a peaceful atmosphere.
Many of the large colonial houses once built for the wealthiest families in the city are still inhabited.
The Mate photo gallery, housed in a 19th century building, is dedicated to the exhibition of the largest collection of photographs taken by Mario Testino, one of the most famous fashion photographers in the world.
Miraflores, a seaside suburb, is an excellent base for visiting the rest of the city.
Parque Kennedy, a beautiful wooded park surrounded by outdoor cafes, offers a refuge from the noise and pollution of the center.
In Miraflores there are excellent shops to buy local crafts and a modern shopping center.
Rosa Nautica is a famous seaside restaurant where you can drink and eat while, for those who prefer to swim in the pool, a visit to the Miraflores Park Hotel is recommended.
In the basement of the Inquisition Museum, there are some chilling examples of the torture instruments used by Spanish inquisitors.
The charming neoclassical building also offers a beautifully carved mahogany ceiling.
In the orderly outskirts of San Borja is the nation's main anthropological and archaeological museum.
The wide range of permanent exhibitions is useful for an in-depth study of the history of Peru, starting from its ancient tribal cultures.
In the museum there are collections of ancient ceramics and traditional peasant costumes, moreover temporary exhibitions are periodically set up there.
The Palacio de Torre Tagle, located two blocks east of the Plaza Mayor, is considered a jewel of Lima's colonial architecture.
It was built in 1735 on behalf of Don José Bernardo de Tagle y Bracho, appointed first marquis by King Charles V of Spain.
The building has beautiful carved wooden balconies and decorations with azulejos, which betray the Spanish and Moorish influence.
Cerro San Cristóbal is a hill located in the north-east part of Lima, from which it is possible to enjoy wide panoramic views over the city.
On the top there is a large cross illuminated at night, a cafeteria and a small museum.
The Convent of the Scalzi, an ancient religious institution located in the Rimac area, was founded in 1592 and took its name from the congregation of the barefoot Franciscan friars.
To see the collection of paintings, the kitchen, the infirmary, the monks' cells and the Chapel of the Virgin.
Hundreds of gold and silver objects are preserved in the Gold Museum, the most important in Peru.
