Sights in Lima

Sights in Lima Peru

Tour through the colonial center of Lima

If you are looking for ‘Lima Sights’, you will primarily land in the historical part of the city. The historical Lima makes history within reach and lets you participate as a visitor in an impressive atmosphere. In this respect, we will take you on a virtual tour of Lima: sights will be lined up along a short path like a string of pearls. Due to the short distances in the centre of the old town you will reach many of the sights within a few minutes on foot. In this respect it is a relaxed sightseeing program with a high entertainment and recreation factor. That is our claim in any case!

Amano: Museum of Pre-Columbian Textile Art
28. February 2019/by Rolf

Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera de Lima — Archaeological Museum of Lima Rafael Larco Herrera
28. February 2019/by Rolf

Attractions Museum: Casa de la Gastronomía Peruana
28. February 2019/by Rolf

Santiago de Surco Lima

Historical Lima: Enjoy sights with historical flair

Start your exploration tour at the Plaza de San Martín: the proud equestrian statue is central and visible from afar. This South American Libertador is a symbol of Peru’s independence. But it is not only this impressive photo motif that invites you to linger. Also the surrounding green areas and the exclusive buildings provide a special flair that invites you to stay just like the numerous cafés and restaurants. A lively flair and a smile on the lips of many holidaymakers are provided by numerous artists, jugglers and dancers who provide a colourful entertainment programme every day. Festivals also make the Plaza San Martín a hot spot in Lima for young and old several times a year. Sights such as these are among the most beautiful that the royal city has to offer. You will see that Lima invests a lot of money to put the historical squares and buildings in their best light. The square has recently been beautified with new plants and green areas.

Lima sights: Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy

After a 5-minute walk you will reach the beautiful Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Merced. The eventful history of this beautiful basilica cannot be guessed at first glance. Since its foundation in the same year as that of the Plaza Mayor, the building has been destroyed several times and finally rebuilt. The façade, with its many details, will soon be seen (not only by experts) – it is considered the epitome of Baroque architecture. Many locals are of the opinion that it is the most beautiful church in Lima. See for yourself on site! Just let the details of the facade have an effect on you and take one or two large-format snapshots for your memory album.

The large wooden portal with its columns, arches and figures catches the eye involuntarily. At the centre of the impressive façade is the statue of the Virgin of Mercy. She looks down from her balcony with a gentle gaze. “Faith moves mountains”: True to this motto you should let yourself be captivated by the atmosphere inside and enjoy the conscious moments of peace in the otherwise lively metropolis. The brightly lit high altar stands in the centre of the interior, which presents itself in typical baroque splendour. After these impressions we continue with a short walk to the Club de la Union.

Tour through Lima: Club of the Union and Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo

The Club de la Unión was founded in 1868. Formerly founded as a civil association, this historic building now houses a kind of centre for events (e.g. business events). The focus is on a special flair, which can vividly recall the former colonial period. From the outside, the building in colonial style is not to be missed thanks to its yellow colour. It literally calls out to be photographed. In addition to the numerous architectural details, the white balconies are particularly eye-catching. Inside, visitors can expect a flair from times long past.

The next two sights in the historic centre of Lima are only a few minutes walk away. The historic building complex Basílica y convento de Santo Domingo is often called Santo Domingo by the locals. It is an architecturally appealing ensemble dedicated to ‘our dear Lady of the Rosary’. This building complex should not only be viewed from the outside, but also from the inside, as it is full of historical memories. The famous Chapter Room of the Basilica, for example, was the place where the first University of Peru (also the oldest in South America) began its activities. The interior of the basilica is impressive, with a magnificent altar that attracts attention. A tour of the monastery’s premises will give you an impression of life there in an authentic atmosphere. With these new impressions you will continue to the nearby Casa de Aliaga.

Casa de Aliaga: Peru’s oldest house housed 18 generations

This house worth seeing is as old as the royal city of Lima itself. The property for the construction of the Casa de Aliaga was lent by the conqueror Francisco Pizarro to the close confidant Jerónimo de Aliaga right next to the government palace. The Aliaga family, well known in Lima, has lived for 18 generations in this truly historic house in the heart of the historic centre of Peru. What can visitors expect today in the historic Casa de Aliaga? An extensive collection, which contains a multiplicity of important Peruvian works of art and artefacts. Among them is the sword that Jerónimo de Aliaga is said to have used in the course of the conquest. As the house has been renovated over the centuries, it reflects various epochs and currents in an impressive way. Guided tours through the Casa de Aliaga can be arranged in advance. The tour continues through the old town of Lima to the government palace worth seeing.

Evening tour magical water show

Evening tour to the Larco Museum and the Magic Water Show

viator.com

Popular Lima sights: Palacio de Gobierno del Perú

The way through Lima’s old town is marked by power in many places. This refers above all to the many historical buildings that once played a central role for the rulers. To this day, they have lost nothing of their powerful charisma. In this respect, the government palace ‘Palacio de Gobierno del Perú‘ fits perfectly into the picture. At the central Plaza Mayor, the impressive government palace was founded in the new colonial style by Francisco Pizarro himself. The building is still a centre of power, as the President of Peru has his offices here. It is also worth mentioning that this palace was several times the scene of important events for the country of Peru. Thus, on the 28.7.1821, the independence of Peru was proclaimed at exactly this place. With a reservation it is possible to marvel in the course of a guided tour at the splendidly appearing interiors, which should visibly embody glamour and glory of the proud Republic of Peru. The next stop on their exploration tour through the historic centre of Lima, the Plaza de Armas, is already in sight from here.

Tempel von Pachacamac

Tempel von Pachacamac, Halbtägige Tour ab Lima

viator.com

Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor): one of THE sights in Lima

At the end of this easy to walk and varied tour through historic Lima and its sights, you will arrive at the Plaza de Armas. This highlight, worth seeing and atmospherically captivating, is a must on any sightseeing tour through Lima. The oldest square of the city presents in impressive abundance its cultural and historical significance in the form of numerous magnificent buildings that frame it. Here, most visitors cavort, as the Plaza de Armas is considered to be the centre of the oldtown of Lima. One of the highlights that should not be missed with a corresponding time planning is on weekdays the changing of the guard including the ceremony at the nearby government palace. Basically, you can also start your sightseeing tour through the historical centre here (again) and be guided by the signs or your joy of discovery. On the east side of the Plaza of the Armas is the Lima Cathedral, a worthy conclusion to a tour of the old town, which could hardly be richer in cultural and architectural impressions.

Paracas and Huacachina

Paracas und Huacachina ab Lima mit Ballestas Inseln und Sandboarding

viator.com

Lima Cathedral: Attractions with a captivating atmosphere

Those who want to see one of the most important and above all most formative buildings of the colonial old town of Lima should go to the cathedral. It is located directly at the Plaza Mayor and attracts the streams of visitors only by its size and aura involuntarily. Here, in this historic cathedral, there is also the grave of the often mentioned conqueror Pizarro. The cathedral is also the final resting place of many other great personalities who have played a role in Peru’s history. According to historical tradition, Francisco Pizarro personally carried the first brick when the cathedral was founded in 1535 after the subjugation of the Incas.

Who wants to discover the cathedral in its size and beauty, should take some time. Also to finish the tour through the old town of Lima with a real highlight. Visitors can enter via the gate of forgiveness at the main portal. From the outside, visitors are welcomed by three mighty entrance portals. The two bell towers in neoclassical style provide a majestic flair. Apart from the main nave with its baroque high altar, which is well worth seeing, the cathedral with its 14 side chapels shows its true greatness.

River at night

Paracas and Huacachina from Lima with Ballestas Islands and Sandboarding

viator.com

Tip: See Lima sights in a ’different light

By the way, you should not miss the Plaza Mayor in the evening after the sun has set, if there is time. Then the place presents itself in a truly completely different light, which provides new impressions in comparison to the exploring tour during the day. Enjoy the special flair of the illuminated colonial buildings around the square.

Sights in Lima

Sights in Lima Peru

Tour through the colonial center of Lima

Amano: Museum of Pre-Columbian Textile Art

Archaeological Museum of Lima Rafael Larco Herrera

Attractions Museum: Casa de la Gastronomía Peruana

Historical Lima: Enjoy sights with historical flair

Lima sights: Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy

Tour through Lima: Club of the Union and Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo

Casa de Aliaga: Peru’s oldest house housed 18 generations

Evening tour magical water show

Popular Lima sights: Palacio de Gobierno del Perú

Tempel von Pachacamac

Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor): one of THE sights in Lima

Paracas and Huacachina

Lima Cathedral: Attractions with a captivating atmosphere

River at night

Tip: See Lima sights in a ’different light

Destinations

What are you looking for?