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The UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city center of Lima has several of interesting sites, beautiful architecture, and plazas. Unfortunately, many of the buildings were closed because my visit fell on Peru’s Independence Day. The city center is easily accessible via the Lima Metropolitano.
Union Street
Most of the interesting sites in Lima are centered around plazas. Plaza Mayor is the main plaza surrounded by the most important buildings in the city. Plaza San Martín was built in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Peru’s independence. The pedestrian street that connects the two plazas is Union Street (Jirón de la Unión). It’s full of shops, restaurants, and packed with people.
Casa Riva-Agüero
Many historic colonial buildings have survived Lima’s devastating earthquakes. They’re located within a few blocks of Union Street. One of them is Casa Riva-Agüero. It was built in the 19th century and now houses archives, a library, and folk art museum.
Torre Tagle Palace
Torre Tagle Palace (Palacio Torre Tagle), built in 1735, is considered Lima’s finest example of a colonial home. The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations is located inside. A visit can be arranged in advance by appointment only.
Goyeneche Palace
Across the street from Torre Tagle Palace is Goyeneche Palace (Palacio de Goyeneche), another great example of colonial architecture. It was built in 1771.
Modern Architecture
Some modern architecture is also located within a few blocks of Union Street. Buildings to look out for include the headquarters for the Lima Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores), El Comercio (a Peruvian newspaper), and the Central Reserve Bank (Banco Central de Reserva), which is now a bank museum. Are all very interesting.
Casa de Aliaga
Northwest of Plaza Mayor is the very interesting Casa de Aliaga. It was built in 1535 by one of Pizarro’s lieutenants on top of an Inca shrine. It’s the oldest piece of family-owned real estate in all of South America. Part of the house is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission is S/35 per person (as of November 2024) and you must hire an official guide to accompany you.
Parque Rímac
North of Casa de Aliaga is Parque Rímac, which is lined with some colonial buildings housing shops and restaurants.
Desamparados Station
To the northeast of Plaza Mayor and behind the Government Palace is Desamparados Station (Estación de Desamparados). Built in 1911, it was the old railway station in Lima. It’s now the House of Peruvian Literature (Casa de la Literatura Peruana).
