As Lima celebrated the 491st anniversary of its founding on Sunday, the general public had the opportunity to make the most of this important date to explore and tour its Historic Center and enjoy the many tourist attractions this part of Peru has to offer.
"Like other world-class tourist attractions such as Machu Picchu, the Nazca and Palpa Lines, and the Amazon River, Lima's Historic Center holds Hierarchy 4 status, the highest distinction granted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur). This classification confirms its exceptional significance as a cultural and historical destination," said
Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Teresa Mera.
The city of Lima was founded in 1535. From that time on, it served as the Peruvian Viceroyalty's capital, under the name "City of Kings," until 1821.
In those years, this area encompassed what is now known as Lima's Historic Center (which today includes part of Rimac district). It is here that some of the most illustrious examples of Spanish monumental architecture can be found.
Therefore, this part of the capital city was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991.
"To date, Lima Metropolitan Area—which is made up of 43 districts—has approximately 239 identified tourism resources, including natural and cultural sites with a strong capacity to attract visitors and generate economic activity. These include archaeological sites, museums, monuments, among others. This highlights the Peruvian capital's significant potential for tourism development," the Mincetur head emphasized.
Among the various tourist attractions that visitors can explore during this anniversary of the capital city are the Lima Main Square, the Lima Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace Museum, the San Francisco Monastery, Casa de Aliaga (Aliaga Home), and the Magic Water Circuit.
Main Square
This was the site where the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru is believed to have been founded and, for many years, the heart of the former "City of Kings."
Also known as Plaza de Armas, the Plaza Mayor of Lima (Main Square) stands out for its architectural beauty, as it is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace of Lima, and the Lima Cathedral, as well as arcaded galleries and restaurants.
At the site, visitors can admire the traditional wooden balconies that once adorned homes in earlier times. The square is also home to the oldest structure in the city: a fountain inaugurated in 1578, located at the very center of the Main Square.
Lima Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace Museum
Considered the most important church in Peru, the Lima Cathedral is an architectural gem and a must-see destination for lovers of history, art, and culture.
The current building—the third to be erected on the same site—features architectural elements in the Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles.
In addition, it preserves and displays an invaluable collection of sacred art, comprising paintings, altarpieces, and sculptures.
Located next to the cathedral is the Archbishop's Palace Museum, which once served as the evangelization's administrative headquarters.
This venue houses an extensive museum collection consisting of religious paintings and sculptures, antique furniture, saints' relics, among other items.
San Francisco Monastery and Museum
Located just a few blocks from the Main Square, on Jiron Lampa, the monumental complex that comprises the San Francisco Convent is an architectural gem of the viceregal period, dating back to the 17th century.
This site functions as both a convent and a museum, as it houses paintings, sculptures, liturgical ornaments, silverwork, and a library with approximately 25,000 volumes, among other items.
It is also home to the well-known catacombs, underground crypts with subterranean passageways where the remains of Lima's early inhabitants are found.
The complex was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.
Casa de Aliaga
It is another of the great architectural and cultural treasures safeguarded within Lima's Historic Center.
In this beautiful viceregal mansion, more than 480 years old, visitors can tour 18 rooms, built and decorated in a variety of styles ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque and Neoclassical periods.
During the tour, visitors can admire a main hall that dazzles with its golden hues, large mirrors with gold leaf-gilded frames, and a large collection of paintings, among other highlights.
One of the most striking spaces in the mansion is its Sevillian-style central courtyard, at whose center stands a cast-iron fountain dating back to the 19th century.
Parque de la Reserva – Magic Water Circuit
Over the past several years, it has steadily established itself as one of the most visited destinations in Peru.
The Magic Water Circuit is a spectacular complex made up of 13 interactive and ornamental fountains that offer a captivating show of lights and music.
It is located within Parque de la Reserva, which was declared a National Historic Heritage Site in 1986 for housing Neoclassical and Art Deco buildings, as well as monuments to Peruvian heroes and indigenist sculptures.
At the site, visitors can enjoy a unique experience that blends art, technology, and entertainment.
Data
– Through the '
Y tú, Qué Planes?' platform, the public can access guided bicycle tours of Lima's Historic Center and other destinations across the city, offering a different way to discover this part of Peru.
(END) NDP/LIT/MVB
Published: 1/19/2026