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    Centro Histórico (Lima)

    Peru

    Centro Histórico (Lima)

    City

    The historic center of Lima is located in the districts of Lima and Rímac, on the Río Rímac.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Peru
    7. Lima
    9. Centro Histórico (Lima)
    The historic center of Lima is located in the districts of Lima and Rímac, on the Río Rímac. Its focal point is the Plaza Mayor, where Pizarro founded the city in 1535, bordered by the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace with its wooden balconies, and the Government Palace. UNESCO initially added the Monastery of San Francisco to its World Heritage List in 1988 and extended the entry in 1991 to include the entire old town.Two blocks from the Plaza lies the Basilica of San Francisco, featuring a library and catacombs that served as a burial site until the early 19th century. Visit the district during the day; the Foreign Office advises particular caution in the city center in the evenings.

    Sights in Centro Histórico (Lima)

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Plaza Mayor

    1Plaza Mayor

    Lima's Main Square, where Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535. It is flanked by the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace with carved wooden balconies, and the Government Palace, where the changing of the guard happens every day around noon.
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    Basilica and Convent of San Francisco

    2Basilica and Convent of San Francisco

    Two blocks from the Plaza Mayor lies the Franciscan complex, whose present church and monastery were dedicated in 1672. Known are the historic library and the catacombs beneath the church, which served as a burial site until the early 19th century. Tours are only available with a guide.
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    Cathedral of Lima

    3Cathedral of Lima

    The Cathedral on the east side of the Plaza Mayor stands on the site of the first church Pizarro had built in 1535 and was rebuilt several times after earthquakes. Inside, you'll see a gilded main altar and the chapel with Pizarro's remains, plus a museum of religious art.
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    Restaurants in Centro Histórico (Lima)

    Exploring on-site

    Getting ThereFrom Miraflores and Barranco, the quickest way to reach the Old Town is by Metropolitano; the express bus stops close to Plaza Mayor. With a taxi or ride-hailing app, the journey can take significantly longer during rush hour.On FootPlaza Mayor, San Francisco, and Plaza San Martín are just a few minutes' walk from each other. Jirón de la Unión connects both plazas as a pedestrian zone. During the day, the center is bustling; after dark, it's safer to remain on the main streets.

    Accommodations in Centro Histórico (Lima)

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    Nearby

    Lima and Central Coast

    Lima and Central Coast

    The region around the capital is located on the central Pacific coast. Lima, founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, is the main arrival point for international flights; its historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Approximately 200 kilometers to the north, in the Supe Valley, lies the Sacred City of Caral, considered by UNESCO to be the oldest center of a civilization in the Americas.
    Lima

    Lima

    Peru's capital lies on the Pacific coast and is the first stop for most travelers. Francisco Pizarro founded it in 1535; as the seat of the Viceroyalty, it became Spanish South America's most important city. Its historic center, with its cathedral, monasteries, and wooden balconies, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988.For travelers, three districts are particularly important: the Centro Histórico with Plaza Mayor and the San Francisco Monastery, Miraflores with the Malecón along the cliffs and the adobe pyramid Huaca Pucllana, and Barranco, the bohemian district with galleries, murals, and the Puente de los Suspiros. In the Pueblo Libre district, the Museo Larco displays one of the country's great collections of pre-Columbian art.
    Miraflores

    Miraflores

    Miraflores is the district where most travelers in Lima stay. It is located on the steep cliffs above the Pacific: Along the Malecón, parks and pathways stretch, and on the cliff, the Larcomar shopping center is built into the rock. The heart of the neighborhood is Parque Kennedy.Amidst residential blocks stands Huaca Pucllana, a seven-tiered adobe pyramid, which the Lima culture used as a ceremonial and administrative center between approximately 200 and 700 AD. You can visit it with a guided tour, and a small museum is included.
    Barranco

    Barranco

    Barranco is located south of Miraflores on the coastal cliffs and was once a seaside resort for wealthy Limeños. In the early 20th century, writers and artists moved here; today, colorful houses, murals, galleries, cafes, and bars define the district. Barranco is Lima's nightlife district.Its landmark is the wooden Puente de los Suspiros, beneath which the cobbled Bajada de los Baños leads down to the sea. Barranco also houses the MATE photography museum by Mario Testino and the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC). The Auswärtige Amt names Barranco, alongside Miraflores, as a district where evening thefts occur.
    Caral

    Caral

    The Sacred City of Caral is located in the dry Supe Valley, approximately 180 kilometers north of Lima and a good 20 kilometers from the coast. According to radiocarbon dating, it was utilized between approximately 3000 and 1800 BCE. Since 2009, UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage site and the oldest center of a civilization in the Americas. Visible are step pyramids, plazas, sunken circular courts, and residential areas.It is open daily from approximately 9 AM to 4 PM.Without a car, you can reach Caral by bus to Supe on the Panamericana Norte and from there by Colectivo or taxi. The Colectivos only return until approximately 4 PM.There is little shade on the site, so bring sun protection and water.

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