Travel Peru
Lima, Capital City - Peru-
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Main Square The
Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas (as it was known until 1990), is the oldest public place in Lima. In 1535 the conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded on the area of an existing indigenous settlement the city of Lima. He designed a main square in the central part of the future city Lima with all important institutions built around it.
The Plaza Mayor was also the ceremonial center of old Lima. Here all important events took place: religious, state and military processions were held and all kinds of festivities and entertainment. The Spanish Inquisition used the Plaza Mayor for public executions of their condemned. Already in 1538 the first bullfight in Lima was held on Plaza Mayor and many others followed until the construction of the Plaza de Acho. In 1821 General Jose de San Martin declared here the independence of Peru.
Presidential Palace
Located at Lima's Main Square,
called Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas, the palace is used as official residence of the Peruvian president since independence and today is also the central seat of the Peruvian government. Due to destruction by earthquakes and fires the Government Palace has been rebuilt, restored and remodeled numerous times, so today just a tree that Francisco Pizarro is assumed to have planted, might be the only remaining original piece. Nevertheless the last main construction works on the building in the 1930s gave this historical monument an impressive beauty and elegance.
Church and Convent of San Francisco
The Church
and Convent of San Francisco is besides the Cathedral of Lima probably the most significant religious complex in Lima and the most successful and impressive monument of Colonial architecture in whole Latin America. Coming into the monastery at the side portal of the building you enter a completely different world showing the importance of the Catholic church in Colonial times. Absolutely amazing are the beautiful preserved wooden stairs, the impressive Moorish dome over the main staircase, the outstanding library with over 25,000 volumes, the "Zurbarån - Hall", small chapels, distinctive religious paintings, small patios of typical Spanish style decorated with lovely tiles from Seville and the overwhelming former glory and wealth.
Definitely the absolute highlight of the tour is the descent into the convents catacombs that served until 1808 as a burial ground. An estimated 30,000 deceased are buried here. Quite extraordinary: the monks arranged the remains according to bone types. Absolutely worth seeing!
Huaca Pucllana
. The Archaeological Complex "Huaca Pucllana" was an Administrative and Ceremonial Center of the Lima Culture, a society that developed at the Peruvian Central Coast between 200 AD and 700 AD. Located in today's district of Miraflores the "Huaca Pucllana" was built around 500 AD. "Pucllana" is one of the most important ancient monuments in Lima. Located right in the middle of a modern residential area it is resisting the urban growth and reminding the Lime単os every day about their archaeological patrimony. The complex consists of the archaeological ruins itself, a small site museum, an area for workshops, a small souvenir shop and a restaurant.
Miraflores
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Miraflores is without a doubt the most popular place for tourists, visitors, foreign expats and locals (who can afford it) to find accommodation, go shopping, have a good meal, relax in a nice cafĂŠ, party in one of the many bars, clubs and discotheques, savor the cultural life and enjoy your time. The district has a lot to offer and therefore we can only highly recommend spending some time here and having fun in one of Lima's nicest "suburbs".
The Magic Water Circuit
The Magic Water Circuit has the Guinness Book record for the largest fountain complex in the world, displaying 13 distinct fountains and many are interactive. All of the fountains are illuminated at night, many with . continuously changing color schemes. A colorful laser light program synchronized with classical and Peruvian music makes the fountains sparkle and shine as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes.
Archeological Museum Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an
excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid and surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and a famous erotic archaeological collection.
Larco Herrer a