Peru is home to numerous ancient relics, with Machu Picchu being its most celebrated landmark; however, other historic structures can also be found here.
Unfortunately, many are being rapidly destroyed as their materials were used by 16th century conquistadors as building materials and for other projects.
Archaeologists are working tirelessly to protect these heritage places. They seek media coverage, file legal actions and conduct educational programs in an attempt to do just that.
Cathedral of Lima
The Cathedral of Lima is one of Peru’s top tourist spots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Initially constructed as a modest church, as archdiocese status increased with population expansion it became necessary to expand it considerably. Construction started in 1564 and took over 100 years for completion – its most striking feature being carved wooden choir stalls featuring Mary, Saints and Apostles as well as its chapel which houses Saint Rosa de Lima (first canonized person in Western Hemisphere).
An integral feature of the cathedral are its 13 side chapels, which display sculptures depicting various people from its history. One notable chapel is that of Immaculate Conception where its original baroque altar remains while most others feature Neoclassical designs; Our Lady of Evangelization stands out among these as its patron saint!
Casa de Aliaga
After founding Lima in 1535, Francisco Pizarro gave Captain Jeronimo de Aliaga Ramrez of his ally Captain Jeronimo de Aliaga Ramrez a refined colonial house known as Casa de Aliaga that now stands near the Government Palace and remains inhabited for 17 generations despite earthquake repairs and renovations over time. Inside are beautiful interiors decorated in various architectural styles thanks to earthquake repairs over time as well as constant renovation.
Come to Arequipa House every day for just $30 soles admission fee or book a dining experience with its owners for an immersive insight into Peruvian history and culture. Plus, try some delicious cuisine that fuses Inca and Spanish cooking techniques into one delicious dish!
Huacachina, located in the southwestern region of the country, offers visitors an oasis in which they can engage in dune buggy racing and sand boarding before watching sunset over Lake 69. Legend has it that Lake 69 came into being when an unrequited woman who loved a fallen warrior cast her mirror into the sand, creating the lake itself.
Church and Monastery of San Francisco
Vinicunca in Quechua is one of the most iconic sites of Peru’s religious and cultural heritage. Consisting of several churches and monasteries, this complex is recognized by UNESCO World Heritage as an exceptional way to gain an insight into Inca culture.
Church and Convent of San Francisco is one of the most impressive legacies from Lima’s viceroyalty period, housing two churches – Basilica of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad and Chapel of El Milagro as well as a convent and museum.
The complex also boasts an expansive library with more than 25,000 books, rare editions and incunabula among them. There are over six thousand parchments from Jesuits, Augustinians and Benedictines of the Franciscan order as well as Jesuit works created during their time there. Furthermore, its archive is an integral component, housing handwritten proofs documenting all steps taken between Spain and Rome since Franciscan Order’s arrival in America via Peru in particular.
Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace is an ornamental government building with ornamental guards. Recognizable by its signature large wrought iron fence lining one side of Plaza Mayor, its scope was expanded during Field-Marshal Oscar R. Benavides’ presidency.
Its main room, previously known as the Agreements Room, contains a painting depicting Admiral Grau as National Hero of the Navy for keeping an enemy squadron at bay from his small Armored Monitor-type ship Huascar. The room also features an ornate dark wood fireplace decorated by artists as well as an accurate model of this vessel.
The Four Seasons Room showcases Mateu Montesinos’s sensuous bronze nudes of maidens. Here, the President welcomes ambassadors who present their credentials; an Arequipa carpet covering 40 meters covers its floor; while in Basadre Hall (Hall of Columns), two historic carriages (a landau and sedan type), were once used to transport him during ceremonial events.
