Lima's Churches

Lima

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DESTINATIONS peru lima Do & See Lima's Churches

Lima's Churches

The amount of churches in Lima can be overwhelming to a first-time visitor. Wherever you look, you'll find great religious buildings rich in both architectural detail and history, especially when walking around the city center. We have selected 5 of those well worth visiting: 1. Catedral de Lima. In the city's main square, the cathedral is not only Peru's most important catholic church but also the first one ever built, dating back to the foundation of Lima in 1535. Inside the cathedral lie the bones of the city's conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. 2. Basílica y Convento de San Francisco (pictured). A curious fact about this church is that it was built on top of catacombs which served as a cemetery during colonial times. A visit to its basement will surprise you with bones and skulls of around 25 thousand people. 3. Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima. Erected in the exact place where Santa Rosa was born. Here, you can explore the grounds where the city's patron lived and treated the poor. 4. Basílica y Convento de San Pedro. Many consider it to be the most beautiful church in Lima. Check out its magnificent interior and see for yourself. 5. Parroquia Santa María Reina. Its unusual oval shape is the big draw here. Bonus: Basilica y Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced: even if you decide not enter this one, just take your time admiring the stone carvings on its beautiful facade.

Do & See

Kick off your visit to Lima with a walk around the colorful and bustling city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site--home to many historical buildings and churches. Delve into the country's rich past in one of the many museums around. Once you’ve soaked up the local history, explore the city's districts: Miraflores on the beachfront is the trendy one, while Barranco is more artsy and bohemian. Day trips to ancient sites in the surroundings are always fun too.

Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)

Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)

There is no better way to start your visit to Lima than where it all began. The Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor is the birthplace of Peru's capital and still the city's main hub. Around the square, you'll find many of Lima's historic landmarks such as a 17th century Cathedral, the Government Palace …

Lima's Churches

Lima's Churches

The amount of churches in Lima can be overwhelming to a first-time visitor. Wherever you look, you'll find great religious buildings rich in both architectural detail and history, especially when walking around the city center. We have selected 5 of those well worth visiting: 1. Catedral de Lima. In the city's main square, the cathedral is …

Larco Museum

Showcasing over 45,000 artifacts that span over 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history, this museum is a true cultural experience not to be missed while in Lima. Its location is as historic as the treasures on display inside. It was built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid and is housed in a 18th century …

Circuito Mágico Del Agua

Circuito Mágico Del Agua

At night, the Parque de la Reserva comes alive with a magical show of water, music and light put on by thirteen cybernetic fountains. The shows take place from Tuesday to Sunday at 19h15, 20h15, and 21h30. There is a small entry fee and it is advised to bring a plastic bag along so …

Huaca Pucllana

In the heart of Miraflores lie the remains of a pre-Inca pyramid, built around 500 AD and said to have served as a ceremonial and administrative center for a coastal indigenous civilization. Visits to the complex are also possible at night, when the setting gets even more dramatic. Don't miss the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, …

Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs)

Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs)

A rich young woman falls in love with a street sweeper. Forbidden by her father to be with the love of her life, she spends her days sighing from her window hoping to see him again. That's just one of the legends surrounding the origins of this small pedestrian bridge's name. Today, legend has …

Casa de Aliaga

Across from the Government Palace sits one of the city's historic jewels. Casa de Aliaga is not only the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, but also the oldest house in America, which was owned by Jerónimo de Aliaga since 1535, and still serves as a home for his descendants eighteen generations later. Richly decorated …

Caral

Book a tour and visit the grounds of the oldest city in the Americas. Located 200 kilometers north of Lima, The Sacred City of Caral offers you a chance to explore the remnants of the Norte Chico civilization, which dates back to more than 5,000 years. Even though it is a long drive from …

Parque del Amor (Park of Love)

Parque del Amor (Park of Love)

If you're looking for a nice spot to watch the sunset, come for a stroll along this small and charming park overlooking the coast. Flowers and colorful benches bedeck the area while a big sculpture of a couple kissing helps set the romantic …

Parque Kennedy

Named after the former U.S. President, this park in the heart of Miraflores is a nice quick stop while in the area. Mostly known for being home to countless stray cats, this small park also serves as a stage for many street performers, food vendors and a daily flea …

Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI

Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI

Soak up 3,000 years of Peruvian history with an impressive collection of paintings, textiles, ceramics and furniture that spans the period from pre-Columbian to Republican times. Nearby, you'll find the Museum of Italian Art, and if you're into modern and contemporary art, head south to Barranco and pay a visit to the Museo de Arte …

Museo Mario Testino

Museo Mario Testino

Founded by Peruvian-born fashion photographer Mario Testino, this museum displays a permanent collection of his work, including a room dedicated to Princess Diana alongside temporary exhibitions of Peruvian and international contemporary …

Paragliding

Go on a soaring adventure and enjoy a spectacular bird's eye view over Lima with this unique paragliding experience. The flight lasts between 10-15 minutes and once you land, you'll receive an SD card with the video bound to ignite envy in those you later show it off …

Barrio Chino

Home to a large Chinese population, it would be only appropriate for Lima to have its own version of a Chinatown. This is the place where visitors come to try the authentic Chifa, the Chinese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. However, keep in mind that this is not much like your typical Chinatown: it is smaller, very …

National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru

National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru

Peru's oldest and largest museum houses nearly 300,000 artifacts covering the country's pre-Hispanic and colonial past until the early Republican days. Guided tours can be booked in Spanish, English and Italian. If you're into history and culture, this place will provide you with an impressive learning …

Pachacamac

Transport yourself back in time by the ruins of what once served as the most important religious center for indigenous people on the Peruvian coast. Situated 40 km southeast of Lima, the archaeological site of Pachacamac is a good day trip from the city where you get to explore the remains of pyramidal temples …