The Most Enchanting Historic Homes in Lima Peru
During my journey through Lima, Peru, I decided to go beyond the city’s popular Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods and take a deep dive through its historic downtown center. While there, I couldn’t resist visiting the area’s notable former homes and mansions, taking in their captivating stories and architecture. My tour through downtown Lima’s notable residences is still one of the most memorable parts from my visit and is something I’d recommend to anyone visiting the city. So, here are The Most Enchanting Historic Homes in Lima, Peru for your next visit to South America:
Casa Fernandini
Of all the mansions in Lima’s downtown, I was most blown away by Casa Fernandini! With art nouveau flair, wide-open salons and Peru’s first-ever elevator, this 20th century home is newer to Lima, but no less spectacular.
Inside, its beautiful stained glass windows and colorful patterned floors held all the grandeur of European palaces, but in a more attainable, yet inspiring setting.
Entry Cost: N/A
Hours: The Mansion is not open to the public at time of writing, but its exterior is viewable 24/7.
Casa Larriva
Next door to Casa Ferdanini is a beautiful 18th century mansion: Casa Larriva. Although it receives fewer visitors than its more famous counterparts, Casa Larriva is still just as stunning. With not one, but two large courtyards, a stately personal library and a grand interior theater, I certainly found this to be one of the more unique homes in Lima’s downtown area!
My favorite parts of this stunning building, however, were the lovely Andalusian tiles and fountain in the inner courtyard as well as the unique and decadent chandelier in the home’s salon.
Entry Cost: N/A
Hours: Interior Tours are Available by Appointment.
Casa de 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.
Entry Cost: 30 Sol*
Location: Daily from 9AM – 5PM*
Casona Riva-Agüero
Built in the 18th century, Casona Riva-Agüero, is a home with beautiful Carrara marble stairs and a green porch. It’s named in honor of its final owner, writer Don José de la Riva Agüero. Today, it is home to Lima’s Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, dedicated to Peruvian ethnographic art pieces. The collection includes items like dance masks, stone art, altar pieces and more.
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: Monday – Friday 10AM – 6PM, but by appointment*
Torre Tagle
Entry Cost: Free*
Opening Hours: Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 10AM – 5PM.*
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 Courret
One of my favorite façades in Centro Histórico, Casa Courret was originally the photo studio of French photographer, Eugenio Courret. Built in 1905 to resemble popular European art nouveau styles of the time, it’s now a beautiful architectural remnant above the shops along Lima’s Jirón de la Unión.
Entry Cost: N/A
Hours: The Mansion is not open to the public, but it’s exterior is viewable 24/7. To view the mansion unobstructed, stop by before 10AM when the shops along Jirón de la Unión open.
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.
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.*
How To Visit
Many of the mansions and historic homes in Lima allow entry, but only by calling ahead for an appointment – and only alongside a registered tour guide.
To ensure your visit, I recommend booking tours to the homes you’re interested in ahead of time with a local operator like Peru Summit Adventures. They will not only take care of your transportation and reservations, but will provide interesting facts and possibly even surprises along your journey! (During mine, I was surprised with a visit to Lima’s Municipal Theatre, while otherwise closed to the public!).
Secret Tip:
After your visit to the historic homes in Lima’s vibrant center, taste everything the Peru’s capital city has to offer by attending a Cooking Class with a View!
