Lima – History

Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro and was shortly after named the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru in 1954. Lima was initially very prosperous due to its importance in trade; however, the late 18th century saw a significant downfall in the economy. This was mostly due to the Bourbon Reforms, a series of legislation that was developed by Spain. These resulted in significant restructuring and aimed to push state supremacy over that of the Catholic Church, as well as give more power to civil officials.

1821 saw the launch of the Peruvian War of Independence. Although the initial powder keg that would set off the water began in 1811 with the Battle of Guaqui, the wars would continue for several years and would involve regional conflicts to include nearby Bolivia, Quito and Chile. The war’s most important event was the signing of the proclamation of Independence of Peru by José de San Martín.

Shortly after the war, Lima has crowned the capital of the Republic of Peru. Prosperity once again returned and would maintain until the middle of the 19th century which saw the outbreak of the War of the Pacific. During this time, Lima was occupied by Chilean troops. Also referred to as the Saltpeter War, it was fought between Chile and the Bolivian-Peru alliance. Ultimately the war would lead to formal boundaries drawn around Chile, Bolivia and Peru.

From the 1890s, Lima would see a period of urban development, especially in its downtown district. As a result of overcrowding, new residential neighborhoods were developed and populated by many of the cities working-class residents. Large roads were developed to connect the city with nearby towns including Miraflores. This period also saw the development of some of the more modern government service buildings still in use today including the Municipal Palace.

The 1940s saw Lima’s population continue its growth via immigration from other areas within Peru. Many of the cities original structures remained, and the center was formally named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. While many of the historic monuments have been threatened by increased pollution as well as ongoing earthquakes, much has been done to repair, restore and maintain many of the city’s most historic locations. Modern-day Lima is the center of Peruvian national life, with ties to everything related to economics, culture, and politics.

 

 

Historical Locations 

Palacio de Torre Tagle

Address: Jirón Ucayali 363, Cercado de Lima 15001
Phone: +51 1 3112400
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website (unofficial)

 

 

Palacio de la Exposición

Address: Paseo Colón 125, Parque de la Exposición, Lima, 15046
Phone: + 51 1 204 0000
Operating Hours:
– Monday closed
– Tuesday 10:30am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
– Wednesday 10:30am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
– Thursday 10:30am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
– Friday 10:30am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
– Saturday 10:30am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
– Sunday 10:30am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Admission Cost:
– General Admission for foreigners S/ 30.00
– Peruvians S/ 15.00
– Students older than 8 years old S/ 7.50
– Children under 8 years old FREE
– Senior over 65 years old FREE
– Tuesdays FREE
Website

 

 

Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace)

Address: Jr. Junín cdra 1, Cercado de Lima
Phone: + 51 1 3113900
Operating Hours:
– Monday Closed to the public
– Tuesday Closed to the public
– Wednesday Closed to the public
– Thursday Closed to the public
– Friday Closed to the public
– Saturday 9:00am, 9:45am guided tour only
– Sunday 9:00am, 9:45am guided tour only
Admission Cost:
– upon request
Website