Plaza de Armas: to walk the streets of Lima is to admire its colonial and republican past. Churches, convents and mansions with balconies that challenge time. In 1991, its Historic Center was declared a World Heritage Site.
Lima is a megacity that respects its past and enjoys being the only South American capital with access to the sea. In its perimeter are the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace and the Provincial Municipality of Lima. In the central part there is a bronze sink dating from the 17th century.
Basilica Cathedral of Lima: occupies the same place where the first Major Church of Lima was located. Inside you will find the full range of styles that came to America. It houses true historical gems: the choir stalls of Pedro de Noguera, altars in its side naves of various styles, as well as the remains of Francisco Pizarro. In addition, they can visit the Museum of Religious Art, which has an important collection of canvases, sculptures, gold work and liturgical ornaments.
Government Palace: residence of Francisco Pizarro (1535), who built it on the land that was occupied by Taulichusco, curaca of the Rímac valley. Since then, the place is the center of political power in Peru. In the 1920s it was rebuilt after a fire. It has numerous patios and halls dedicated to distinguished characters in Peruvian history and carefully decorated with remarkable pieces of art. Every day, at 11:45 a.m., the Patio de Honor is the scene of the changing of the guard. A show to enjoy.
Church and Convent of San Francisco: architectural complex from the 17th century. It includes the church, the convent and the square. The baroque-style main façade was carved in stone and is characterized by its Corinthian-type columns. On the façade there is an open cornice with arches in which the Immaculate Conception Patron Saint of the Order can be seen. The area of the cloisters, decorated with tiles, houses the
Viceregal Art Museum. In addition, you can visit the catacombs (underground galleries) that served as a cemetery during the Colony.
Church and Museum of the Convent of Santo Domingo – Sanctuary of the Peruvian Saints – Sanctuary of the Peruvian Saints: church with three naves in which the dome and a beautiful choir stalls carved in cedar stand out. The cloister of the Convent is adorned with Sevillian tiles. In 1551 the National University of San Marcos was founded in the convent, the first university founded by the Spanish crown in America. The convent houses the tombs of Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martín de Porres.