Lima was founded on the banks of the Rimac river on January 18, 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro.
Lima's name is derived from the Quechua word for "that who speaks". After Pizarro´s conquest, Lima was for three centuries the centre of Spanish power in the New World until General José de San Martin's declaration of independence in Peru in 1821.
Being the capital of Peru and also the starting point for most visitor itineraries, Lima is well known for its splendid art and architecture from the colonial period. Its museums are also bursting with artefacts of gold, ceramics and weavings found in the country's ancient settlements.
Weather is normally mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10° to 27°C. Only from June to at least October the skies are grey and almost chilly. A damp garúa or Scotch mist is common. Annual rainfall is very low.
The construction of deluxe hotels has boomed in the charming districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. You find there beautiful residents, lovely parks, cafes and restaurants, theatres and an active nightlife.
Dining is famous in Lima, for Peruvian cuisine is superb! You find lots of cosy restaurants in all price ranges, in garden settings or by the sea.
Lima´s colonial treasures are best seen at Plaza Mayor. This historic square is bordered by the Cathedral that houses glorious treasures and the remains of Pizarro, the Presidential Palace with daily ceremonial changing of the guard. Furthermore the Archbishop´s Palace and the City Hall. But the real jewel of Lima is the Torre Tagle Palace, a wonderful mixture of Moorish and local architecture.
The capital´s most impressive churches include La Merced, San Pedro and Santa Domingo. All are beautifully baroque, have painted ceilings and their interiors are full of gold. The convent and cloister of San Francisco are adorned with tiles from Seville.
The National Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology shows treasures recovered from Peru's ancient civilizations like the Incas, Paracas, Nazcas and many more. The Gold Museum in Monterrico is an underground museum with items which have been exhibited in the world's leading museums.
There are many more fine museums like the Larco Museum and the Amano Museum. |
