Historic Centre of Lima

Coordinates: 12°3′5″S 77°2′35″W / 12.05139°S 77.04306°W / -12.05139; -77.04306
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Historic Centre of Lima
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Cathedral of Lima located in the main square of the historic center
LocationLima, Peru
CriteriaCultural: (iv)
Reference500bis
Inscription1988 (12th Session)
Extensions1991, 2023
Area259.36 ha (640.9 acres)
Buffer zone766.7 ha (1,895 acres)
Coordinates12°3′5″S 77°2′35″W / 12.05139°S 77.04306°W / -12.05139; -77.04306
Historic Centre of Lima is located in Peru
Historic Centre of Lima
Location of Historic Centre of Lima in Peru

The Historic Centre of Lima (Spanish: Centro histórico de Lima) is the historic city centre of the city of Lima, the capital of Peru. Located in the city's districts of Lima and Rímac, both in the Rímac Valley, it consists of two areas: the first is the Monumental Zone established by the Peruvian government in 1972,[1] and the second one—contained within the first one—is the World Heritage Site established by UNESCO in 1988,[2] whose buildings are marked with the organisation's black-and-white shield.[a]

Founded on January 18, 1535, by Conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the city served as the political, administrative, religious and economic capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, as well as the most important city of Spanish South America.[4] The evangelisation process at the end of the 16th century allowed the arrival of several religious orders and the construction of churches and convents. The University of San Marcos, the so-called "Dean University of the Americas", was founded on May 12, 1551, and began its functions on January 2, 1553 in the Convent of Santo Domingo.[5]

Originally contained by the now-demolished city walls that surrounded it, the Cercado de Lima features numerous architectural monuments that have survived the serious damage caused by a number of different earthquakes over the centuries, such as the Convent of San Francisco, the largest of its kind in this part of the world.[2][6] Many buildings of the are joint creations of artisans, local artists, architects and master builders from the Old Continent.[2] It is among the most important tourist destinations in Peru.

History[edit]

1750 map of Lima and its walls.

The city of Lima, the capital of Peru, was founded by Francisco Pizarro on 18 January 1535 and given the name City of the Kings.[7] Nevertheless, with time its original name persisted, which may come from one of two sources: Either the Aymara language lima-limaq (meaning "yellow flower"), or the Spanish pronunciation of the Quechuan word rimaq (meaning "talker", and actually written and pronounced limaq in the nearby Quechua I languages). It is worth nothing that the same Quechuan word is also the source of the name given to the river that feeds the city, the Rímac River (pronounced as in the politically dominant Quechua II languages, with an "r" instead of an "l"). Early maps of Peru show the two names displayed jointly.

Under the Viceroyalty of Peru, the authority of the viceroy as a representative of the Spanish monarchy was particularly important, since its appointment supposed an important ascent and the successful culmination of a race in the colonial administration. The entrances to Lima of the new viceroys were specially lavish. For the occasion, the streets were paved with silver bars from the gates of the city to the Palace of the Viceroy.[citation needed]

In 1988, UNESCO declared the historic centre of Lima a World Heritage Site for its originality and high concentration of historic monuments constructed during the viceregal era.[2] In 2023, it was expanded with two exclaves to include the Quinta and Molino de Presa and the Ancient Reduction of Santiago Apostle of Cercado.[2]

On January 18, 2024, the city's 489th anniversary, president Dina Boluarte announced a "special regime" that targets the area in order to allow restoration and repair works to take place.[8]

List of sites[edit]

The World Heritage Site, divided into three zones,[2] features a number of landmarks.

Historic Centre of Lima[edit]

The main zone is that of the Historic Centre of Lima (266.17 ha; buffer zone: 806.71 ha),[2] which features the following:

Name Location Notes Photo
Balconies of Lima Various Over 1,600[citation needed] were built in total in both the viceregal and republican eras of the city. They have been crucial in UNESCO's declaration of the historic centre as a World Heritage Site.[2]
Archbishop's Palace Jr. Junín & Carabaya The home of the Archbishop of Lima, it was turned into an episcopal seat in 1541 by Pope Paul III and rebuilt in 1924 by architects Claude Sahut and Ricardo de Jaxa Malachowski as part of the city works commissioned by Augusto B. Leguía in preparation of the centennial celebrations of the Battle of Ayacucho.[9]
Basilica and Convent of Saint Dominic Jr. Camaná & Conde de Superunda The 16th century complex, originally named after Our Lady of the Rosary, is named after Saint Dominic. It is also the site where the Royal University of Lima was founded in 1551, and was elevated to basilica in 1930.
Basilica and Convent of Saint Francis Jr. Áncash & Lampa The 17th century complex is named after Francis of Assisi. It is the site of the Museum of Religious Art and of the Zurbarán Room, as well as an underground network of galleries and catacombs that served as a cemetery during the Viceregal era.
Basilica and Convent of Saint Peter Jr. Azángaro & Ucayali The 17th century complex, formerly named after Saint Paul and featuring a college of the same name, is named after Saint Peter since 1767. It is the burial site of Viceroy Ambrosio O'Higgins, as well as the site of the heart of the Viceroy Count of Lemos.[10]
Basilica and Convent of Our Lady of Mercy Jr. Unión & Sta. Rosa The 16th century complex is named after Our Lady of Mercy, who serves as the patroness of the Peruvian Armed Forces. Its Churrigueresque style dates back to the 18th century. The public square next to it was the location of one of José de San Martín's proclamations of the independence of Peru in 1821.[11]
Casa de Aliaga Jr. Unión 225 The building—the oldest in the city—dates back to May 1536, belonging to Conquistador Jerónimo de Aliaga [es] and built on top of a pre-Columbian sanctuary. It was destroyed by the earthquake of 1746 and rebuilt by Juan José Aliaga y Sotomayor. In the 19th century a series of works were carried out.[12]
Casa de Goyeneche Jr. Ucayali 358 The 959.20 m2 two-storey building was built during the 18th century and is named after the family that formerly owned it. After passing through a series of different owners, it was ultimately acquired by the Banco de Crédito del Perú in 1971.[13]
Casa del Oidor Jr. Junín & Carabaya The building was built on two of the four plots that made up one of the 117 blocks into which Lima was initially divided. Also damaged and rebuilt after the 1746 earthquake,[14] it is best known for the large balcony that runs through its façade.[15]
Casa de Pilatos Jr. Áncash 390 Built in the late 16th century, it was occupied by various families of the aristocracy of Lima for most of its history,[16][17] being purchased by the government during the 20th century. It currently functions as the de facto headquarters of the Constitutional Court.
Casa Riva-Agüero Jr. Camaná 459 This house was constructed in the 18th century by the Riva Agüero family, whose last member, the intellectual José de la Riva-Agüero, donated it to the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. It currently serves as the headquarters of the university's Riva-Agüero Institute, where its archive and library are located.
Government Palace Jr. Junín Originally built to be the residence of Francisco Pizarro, it was rebuilt under the presidency of Oscar R. Benavides by architects Claude Sahut and Ricardo de Jaxa Malachowski, with construction works finishing in 1937. The palace currently serves as the residence of the President of the Republic.
Metropolitan Cathedral Jr. Carabaya & Huallaga Built alongside the city in 1535, its current form was built between 1602 and 1797, and is dedicated to John the Apostle. Its interior features a gold-plated altar, as well as the tomb of Francisco Pizarro. A Te Deum mass is traditionally held annually as part of the national day celebrations. Another custom restarted by Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, is to celebrate mass every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. In 2005, Mayor Luis Castañeda oversaw a project of illuminating the exterior of the cathedral with new lights.
Museum of Congress and the Inquisition Jr. Junín 548 Located in the neighbourhood of Barrios Altos, the building served as the former headquarters of the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition and later as the seat of the Peruvian Senate until 1939. The museum dedicated to both occupants was opened on July 26, 1968.
Museum of Italian Art P.° de la República 250 The only European arts museum of Peru, it was the gift from the Italian colony to the city as part of the centennial celebrations that took place in 1921. Designed by architect Gaetano Moretti [es], it was inaugurated on November 11 of the same year.
Plaza Dos de Mayo The square was built in 1874 by the Peruvian government to commemorate the Battle of Callao, which took place off the coast of Callao on May 2, 1866, between the navies of Peru and Spain. It serves as the intersection of Colonial, Alfonso Ugarte and Colmena avenues.
Plaza Mayor The site of the foundation of the city, it also served as the location of one of José de San Martín's proclamations of the independence of Peru in 1821.[11]
Plaza San Martín The square was built to coincide with the centennial celebrations that took place in 1921, having replaced a train station and featuring a monument to José de San Martín, the work of Spanish sculptor Mariano Benlliure. It features buildings such as the Gran Hotel Bolívar, the National Club and the Teatro Colón. Two buildings surrounding the plaza have caught fire in recent years: the Giacoletti Building, in 2018,[18] and the Marcionelli Building, in 2023.[19][20]
Sanctuary and Monastery of Las Nazarenas Av. Tacna & Jr. Huancavelica The complex was built during the 18th century after the original building had to be demolished as it was irreparably damaged during the earthquake of 1746. It is the location of the Lord of Miracles, an icon venerated by local Catholics during festivities that take place every October.
Torre Tagle Palace Jr. Ucayali 363 Built during the early 18th century using materials from Spain, Panama and other Central American countries,[21] it was purchased by the government in 1918 and currently serves as the main headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
University of San Marcos Campus and adjacent park Av. Colmena 1222 Formerly a Jesuit novitiate, the building and park are the property of the University of San Marcos, where its cultural centre and crypt are located. The park was built in 1870, with a clock tower being built by the German colony as part of the centennial celebrations in 1921. At noon, their bells play notes of the national anthem.

Ancient Reduction of Santiago Apostle of Cercado[edit]

The Ancient Reduction of Santiago Apostle of Cercado (10.2 ha) was added to the World Heritage Site in 2023.[2]

Name Location Notes Photo
Bastión de Santa Lucía Jr. José de la Rivera & Dávalos 491-499 One of the few remains of the walls of Lima, preserved better than the other remains.[22] —
Cinco esquinas (partial) In the 19th century, it was a place where Lima's bohemians gathered, becoming a refuge for criminals the following century.[23] It is located at the intersection of Junín, Miró Quesada and Huari streets. It inspired Mario Vargas Llosa's novel of the same name.[24] —
Santiago Apóstol del Cercado Jr. Conchucos 720 Rebuilt after the 1746 earthquake, the barroque church was again affected by the 1940 Lima earthquake, being restored by Emilio Harth-Terré and Alejandro Alva. A figure of the Virgin of Carmel was enshrined in the church during a ceremony attended by then president Augusto B. Leguía on July 16, 1921.[25]
Plazuela del Cercado Originally an Indian reduction,[b] it is unique in the continent, as it has a rhomboid shape.[27]
Santo Cristo de las Maravillas Av. Sebastián Lorente & Jr. Áncash Named after the devotion of the same name,[28] it was originally located in front of one of the city gates, which took its name from the church.[29] It was the old starting point for funeral processions to the General Cemetery of Lima, given its location, which precedes the cemetery's foundation in 1808.[28]

Quinta and Molino de Presa[edit]

The Quinta and Molino de Presa (1.62 ha) were added to the World Heritage Site in 2023.[2]

Name Location Notes Photo
Quinta and Molino de Presa Jr. Chira 344[30] The 18th century building was built under the government of then viceroy of Peru, Manuel de Amat y Junyent. It comprises a constructed area of 15,159 square metres (163,170 sq ft).[31]
Callejón de Presa A passage and street that leads to the Quinta.[32] —
Plazuela de Presa The public square outside the Quinta.[33] —

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ PROLIMA member Juan Miguel Delgado explains that, although the emblem used by the Blue Shield International (officially represented in Peru by the Comité Peruano del Escudo Azul Peruano since January 30, 2019) is a blue-and-white shield, a different colour was specifically chosen to contrast with the buildings' façades, with black serving as a neutral alternative to the stardard navy blue.[3]
  2. ^ A population centre in which dispersed indigenous people were grouped, for the purposes of evangelisation and cultural assimilation.[26]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Centro Histórico de Lima: Patrimonio Mundial". Sitios del Patrimonio Mundial del Perú.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Historic Centre of Lima". World Heritage Convention. UNESCO.
  3. ^ Tolentino, Scheila (9 May 2023). "Centro de Lima: ¿por qué algunas edificaciones tienen un escudo blanco y negro? Esta es la razón". La República.
  4. ^ Martínez Hoyos, Francisco (15 March 2018). "Lima, la joya del virreinato del Perú". La Vanguardia.
  5. ^ "Centro Histórico de Lima Patrimonio Cultural". UNESCO Cátedra. Universidad de San Martín de Porres.
  6. ^ Pereyra Colchado, Gladys (27 September 2020). "Los secretos de una Lima subterránea y su relación con el hallazgo en la plazuela San Francisco". El Comercio.
  7. ^ Augustin, Reinhard (2017). El Damero de Pizarro: El trazo y la forja de Lima (PDF) (in Spanish). Lima: Municipality of Lima. ISBN 978-9972-726-13-2. Retrieved 3 November 2017.
  8. ^ "Presidenta Boluarte destaca ley que crea régimen especial del Centro Histórico de Lima". El Peruano. 17 January 2024.
  9. ^ Calidad en el Museo Palacio Arzobispal (PDF) (in Spanish). Universidad Ricardo Palma. 2017. pp. 7, 17.
  10. ^ Fhon Bazan, Miguel (12 December 2016). "La antigua Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados". Medium.com. Cultura Para Lima.
  11. ^ a b Garay, Karina (28 July 2023). "Fiestas Patrias: estas son las 4 plazas de Lima donde se gritó la Independencia".
  12. ^ Salmón Salazar, Gisella (1 February 2010). "Cinco Siglos de Historia: Casa de Aliaga" (PDF). Variedades. pp. 2–4.
  13. ^ Planas, Enrique. "Las casonas del Centro de Lima". El Comercio.
  14. ^ "La casona más antigua de Lima". El Peruano. 19 November 2017.
  15. ^ Fangacio Arakaki, Juan Carlos (10 March 2018). "Balcones de Lima: levantar la mirada a la tradición". El Comercio.
  16. ^ Bromley Seminario, Juan (2019). Las viejas calles de Lima (PDF) (in Spanish). Lima: Metropolitan Municipality of Lima. p. 382.
  17. ^ Víctor Angles Vargas (1983). Historia del Cusco Colonial. Vol. II. Lima: Industrialgrafica .S.A. p. 742.
  18. ^ Ardiles, Abby (21 May 2022). "Edificio Giacoletti: ¿Cuáles son los planes de la municipalidad para poder restaurarlo?". El Comercio.
  19. ^ "La jornada de la "toma de Lima" termina con enfrentamientos y el incendio en un edificio en el centro histórico de la capital peruana". BBC Mundo. 20 January 2023.
  20. ^ Llerena, Paula; Pacheco Ibarra, Juan José (20 January 2023). "¿Cuál es la historia detrás de la casona que se quemó y derrumbó durante las protestas en Lima?". Trome.
  21. ^ "Historia del Palacio de Torre Tagle". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012.
  22. ^ Cubillas Soriano, Margarita (1993). Guía histórica, biográfica, e ilustrada de los monumentos de "Lima metropolitana" (in Spanish). p. 37.
  23. ^ Cueto, Alonso (4 March 2016). "Intersecciones del tiempo". El País. ISSN 1134-6582.
  24. ^ Blanco Bonilla, David (23 March 2016). "De Miraflores a Cinco esquinas, la Lima de Vargas Llosa". La Vanguardia.
  25. ^ "Iglesia Santiago Apóstol del Cercado". Medium.com. Cultura Para Lima. 2 October 2017.
  26. ^ "Reducción". Diccionario de la lengua española (in Spanish) (23rd ed.). Real Academia Española. 2014.
  27. ^ "Plazuela de Cercado y alrededores". Medium.com. Cultura Para Lima. 27 August 2018.
  28. ^ a b "Turismo en Iglesia de Santo Cristo de Las Maravillas". Turismoi.pe.
  29. ^ Bromley Seminario, Juan (2019). Las viejas calles de Lima (PDF) (in Spanish). Lima: Metropolitan Municipality of Lima. pp. 60–61.
  30. ^ Gamarra Galindo, Marco (13 January 2010). "De visita por la Quinta de Presa". El Comercio.
  31. ^ "Quinta Presa". Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo del Perú.
  32. ^ Gamarra Galindo, Marco (4 March 2010). "Quinta Presa: un palacio en el Rímac". Blog PUCP.
  33. ^ Pastorelli, Giuliano (27 October 2011). "Ganadores del Concurso de Tratamiento para el Espacio Público El Rímac". ArchDaily.

External links[edit]

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