14 Centro Histórico Locations You Must See in Lima Peru
Lima’s Centro Histórico, is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living testament to the Peruvian capital’s rich history and cultural legacy. Nestled within this enchanting district lies a trove of architectural marvels, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old stories waiting to be discovered. Join me on a journey through the cobblestone streets and colonial plazas of Lima’s historic center with these 14 Centro Histórico Locations You Must See in Lima, Peru:
Plaza Mayor
Lima’s Centro Histórico, known as the “Ciudad de los Reyes” or City of Kings, was founded by Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Located in the heart of this district, Lima’s Plaza Mayor is an iconic square that features political, administrative, religious and economic architecture from this era.
Here, amidst the grand Government Palace, the imposing Archbishop’s Palace, and the ornate Cathedral of Lima, you can truly feel the pulse of the city’s past. Today, from lively street performances to solemn ceremonies, Plaza Mayor is the perfect base to start your exploration through the city’s iconic neighborhood.
Location: Jr. Junín cdra. 1
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 24/7*
Lima Cathedral
Dating back to 1535, the Lima Cathedral is a site with monumental architecture and a rich history.
Originally constructed using adobe bricks and wooden elements, the Cathedral has been rebuilt and restored many times over the course of its history. Today, the Cathedral is recognizable for its striking Baroque details and stony exterior, improvements that were made over time to help the structure better withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and fires.
Inside, vaulted ceilings and ornate altars house a wealth of Catholic artifacts and priceless works of art, including paintings by renowned artists such as Diego de la Puente and Marcos Zapata.
Buried within its hallowed walls lie the remains of figures from different periods, including Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who was involved in the establishment of colonial Lima in 1535. Additionally, the cathedral houses the final resting places of numerous archbishops and bishops who played significant roles in the history of the Catholic Church in Peru.
Location: Jirón Carabaya
Entry Cost: 15-20 Soles*, with guided tours available for an additional cost in Spanish, English, French, Italian and Portuguese.
Hours: Monday – Friday from 9AM – 5PM. Saturdays from 9AM – 9:45AM and 10AM – 5PM. Sundays from 11AM – 12PM and 1PM – 5PM.*
Museo Palacio Arsobispal de Lima
The Museo Palacio Arzobispal de Lima, or the Archbishop’s Palace, is a must-see spot in Lima’s Centro Histórico. While the palace’s original 16th century structure fell into disrepair, it was replaced with a new building in 1924. Today, it’s a shining example of neo-colonial design.
Located off of Plaza Mayor, this architectural gem features an exquisite stained glass ceiling, cedar-enclosed balconies and lovely marble staircase. The museum itself houses three floors worth exploring – of which the 2nd floor is my favorite! There, its rooms showcase beautifully preserved vintage furniture, paintings and other trinkets from Lima’s past, echoing the city’s long and rich history.
Location: Jirón Carabaya
Entry Cost: 15 Soles*
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 9AM – 1PM and from 2 – 5PM. Sundays from 9AM – 12PM and 1PM – 5PM.*
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco
Located a few blocks away from Plaza Mayor, the Basílica and Convent of San Francisco is a Baroque-style religious complex dating back to the 17th century. Behind its canary-yellow painted exterior lies a convent, two churches, a magnificent library that houses thousands of antique texts and centuries-old catacombs. Descend into the eerie underground tunnels, where the remains of more than 25,000 rest.
Location: XX3F+V59, Jr. Lampa
Entry Cost: 15 Soles*
Hours: Saturday – Thursday from 9AM – 8:45PM. Fridays from 9AM – 8PM.*
Santo Domingo Convent
Originally founded in 1535, the Santo Domingo Convent is one of Lima’s most important religious sites.
The convent’s intricate architecture, a blend of Spanish colonial and Baroque styles, captivates with its ornate facades, vibrant archways and colorful tiles. Inside, Santa Domingo Convent is not only home to valuable Catholic art and relics, but it is the final resting place of three important Peruvian saints: San Juan Macías, Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martín de Porres.
Location: Jirón Camaná 170, Jirón Conde de Superunda 262
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: Monday – Friday from 10AM – 6PM*
Casa Aliaga
Quite possibly the most popular historic home in Lima’s downtown area, Casa de Aliaga is spectacular. The same age as the city of Lima itself, Casa de Aliaga has been home to seventeen generations of descendants of Jerónimo de Aliaga y Ramirez.
With a mix of architectural styles and furniture, walking through the home is almost like journeying through almost 500 years of Lima’s history.
The home itself is quite extensive and provides an opulent look at how Lima’s upper class lived. Its interior includes a gilded hall, a private chapel and a living room full of azulejo tiles.
Location: Jirón de la Unión 224
Entry Cost: 30 Soles*
Hours: Daily from 9:30AM – 5PM*
Torre Tagle
Location: Jr. Ucayali 363
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: Daily from 7AM – 8AM. Holiday hours may vary.*
Torre Tagle is an intricately-detailed Baroque-style mansion near Lima’s Plaza de Armas. Constructed in 1730 by José B. Tagle, the Marquis of Torre Tagle and treasurer of the Royal Spanish fleet, the palace proudly displays his coat of arms, which sit prominently above the pink-painted entrance to this day.
Overall, this building is known for its ornate wooden balconies, beautiful wrought-iron work, and vibrant yellow facade. The second floor courtyard balcony, in particular, features the most vibrant blue tilework, an enchanting contrast from the palace’s canary yellow walls. Inside the palace’s ground floor rooms is a number of beautiful and historic pieces, including vintage carriage from 1740 – a lovely surprise!
Overall, the palace is a testament to Peru’s rich cultural heritage and a wonderful landmark for anyone interested in Peru’s unique blend of Spanish and Indigenous architectural influences.
Casa de Osambela
Constructed by Martin de Osambela, a merchant, banker, and ship-owner, the Casa de Osambela served as his family residence in the early 19th century.
Despite needing some restoration, Osambela completely took my breath away! Its chipping paint and cracked tiles make it a silent witness to Lima’s history, its weathered facade echoing tales of the city’s bygone eras.
With three levels and a rooftop “mirador” (look-out), Casa de Osambela also offers panoramic views of the incoming ships at Callao’s harbor. The mansion has a grand total of five wooden balconies that hang effortlessly over the sidewalk and that stand out against its blue-painted exterior. Internally, a pink patio filled with colorful tiles and approximately 40 bedrooms add to its architectural splendor.
Location: Jirón Conde de Superunda 298
Entry Cost: Free*. Guided tours are available to vistors (tips encouraged!)
Hours: Monday – Friday from 9AM – 12:45PM and from 2 – 4:45PM. Saturdays from 9AM – 12:45PM.*
Church of San Agustín
The Church of San Agustín stands as a monumental testament to both the religious fervor and architectural prowess of its time. Built in the 17th century by Spanish colonizers, it is the oldest stone church in Peru and a prime example of colonial architecture in South America.
Probably the most recognizable feature of the church is its elaborate churrigueresque exterior, embellished with stone carvings of local flowers and fruits, angels and, of course, St Augustine.
While the church’s interior is not as impressive as its façade, I still recommend a quick a look inside, but only if you have time to spare. This is because La Muerte (Death), a wood sculpture created by 18th-century sculptor Baltazar Gavilán can often be seen on display inside if it is not otherwise traveling and it is definitely worth seeing.
Location: Jirón Ica 251
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 8AM – 7PM. Sundays from 9AM – 11AM and 7PM – 8PM.*
Secret Tip: The wooden La Muerte (Death) sculpture is sometimes included in traveling exhibits, so call ahead.
Municipal Theater of Lima
The Teatro Municipal de Lima stands as a distinguished venue for theater and concerts. Initially constructed in 1920 under the name Teatro Forero, it came under the ownership of the Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima in 1929, subsequently being rechristened as Teatro Municipal.
Throughout its history, it has been a beacon of the local performing arts, serving as the principal hub for theater, ballet, opera, and symphony performances. Presently, it serves as the esteemed residence of the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru, offering captivating musical experiences.
Location: Jirón Ica 377
Guided Tours: 20 Soles*
Shows: Ticket Prices Vary*. Visit the Municipal Theater’s Facebook Page for the most up-to-date show and purchase information.
La Merced Church
La Iglesia de la Merced is a beautiful Roman Catholic church located on the busy Jirón de la Unión street.
One of the first Catholic masses in Lima took place in 1534 on a small piece of land where the Iglesia de la Merced now stands. Initially constructed in 1541, the church has been rebuilt many times over the years, with the majority of its current structure dating back to the 18th century.
La Merced has a wonderful granite facade, intricately carved in the Churrigueresque style, as was popular during Lima’s late Spanish Baroque period. Inside, the main area of the church is flanked by large pastel yellow and orange columns, leading up to a gold leaf-adorned ceiling.
Location: Jirón de la Unión 621
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: Daily from 8AM – 1PM and 4PM – 8PM*
The Gran Hotel Bolivar
Since 1924, the Gran Hotel Bolivar has welcomed esteemed guests from all over the world, including celebrities, dignitaries, and travelers seeking a taste of old-world charm. Famous personalities ranging from Ernest Hemingway to Orson Welles and Robert Kennedy to Mick Jagger have graced its halls of this old-world palace.
Around the 1970s, as Lima began to modernize, the Gran Hotel Bolivar’s prestige and grandeur faded, summoning up rumors of ghosts and other paranormal sightings that have both fascinated and scared guests for decades.
Today, visitors can sip Gran Hotel Bolivar’s infamous pisco sour inside the same bar that Ava Gardner once frequented, where she sipped piscos and danced barefoot into the wee hours of the morning.
Location: Jirón de la Unión 958
Entry Cost: Free to see the lobby. Room rates vary.*
Hours: 24/7*
Plaza San Martín
In front of Gran Hotel Bolivar is one of the most beautiful squares in all of Centro Histórico, Plaza San Martin. It was instated in 1921 to celebrate 100 years of Peruvian independence from the Spanish.
At the Plaza’s center is a large statue commemorating General Jose de San Martin, a key former Argentinean military leader in Southern America who served as the Protector of Peru shortly after its independence. But my favorite part of the park, and a big reason for its inclusion on this list is the wonderful scenery.
Not only is the park flanked on all sides by intricate French-inspired architecture from the early 20th century, but it’s one of the few green spaces in Centro Historico and has the most lovely blooms, depending on the season.
Location: Av. Nicolás de Piérola cdra. 9
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 24/7*
Municipal Palace of Lima Library
If you’re a fan of vintage books and old interiors, one final spot to see in Centro Histórico is the library inside the Municipal Palace of Lima. While small, the architecture inside the space is quite stunning. Venture up the twisting wood spiral staircase to take in the city’s two-story collection of historic volumes, storybooks and publications. Among its treasures include an original “Charter of Foundation of Lima” signed by Francisco Pizarro and a rock from the moon!
Secret Tip
You will need to make Advance reservations and provide your passport number*. I recommend calling two weeks prior!
Phone Number: +51 1 3113908
Location: Jirón de la Unión 300
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 8AM – 4PM, Monday through Friday.
*At Time of Writing.
