Spanish conquistadors in 1535 on the Pacific coast laid an outpost, which was given the name of Lima (Peru). According to historians, the construction was led by adelantado Francisco Pizarro, whose name is associated with the conquest of the Inca Empire. Subsequently, the outpost became the administrative center of the Latin American country of Peru.
Why "city of kings"?
Ships that entered the port, moving further up the fairway of the Rimak River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean, sailed inland, into its mountainous part of the Andes. The outpost served as a kind of springboard that allowed the Spaniards to carry out aggressive campaigns, spreading their colonial possessions. The city of Lima (Peru) developed gradually.
It is not surprising that this circumstance explained the choice of a place for the construction of a port town. Over the next two centuries, it was destined to flourish, justifying its name - the "City of Kings". Lima gradually grew. Like mushrooms after the rain, new chic houses of the Spanish nobility appeared, decorated inthen fashionable baroque style. Everyone wanted to line up closer to the main city square.
City Development
The favorable location of Lima contributed to the prosperity of trade. In parallel, the development of culture and education took place. The foundation of the University of San Marcos in 1551 is proof of this. This is the very first educational institution of this level in Latin America. In the middle of the 18th century, a powerful devastating earthquake occurred in this part of the Pacific coast, which resulted in the death of a tenth of the urban population. A terrible natural phenomenon destroyed many buildings, the former splendor of which no one will ever be able to admire.
Today, Lima (the capital of Peru) is a metropolis with more than eight million inhabitants. Its residents have the opportunity to use exclusively land transport. It is not surprising that a large concentration of buses and cars (among them many obsolete models), pedestrians rushing to work or other business cause congestion on the streets. Rare vehicles, the technical condition of which is far from ideal, saturate the air in the city with exhaust gases, thereby worsening the environmental situation.
Beautiful beaches are at the service of vacationers on the territory of the capital and beyond. Unfortunately, lovers of swimming will be disappointed - the water here is far from warm throughout the year. But surfers with great pleasure conquer the Pacific waves. In Peru (Lima), the weather is changeable, the winds form largewaves that attract tourists who prefer outdoor activities.
Safety rules in Lima
The Peruvian capital belongs to the category of those cities in the world where petty theft flourishes. Being in a crowd or public transport, one must be very vigilant. Have as little expensive things and jewelry as possible with you - leave everything valuable at home or in a hotel room so as not to attract the attention of local thieves.
Lima (Peru) is a special holiday destination, but every tourist needs to be vigilant. Only then will you not become a victim of petty crooks and scammers.
Most visited and popular historical sites
The main square in Lima is called the Plaza Mayor. It is located, as it were, in the center of architectural sights that attract many tourists. These objects include buildings of the colonial era of the 16th century, conquering with their extraordinary beauty:
- Government Palace (or Pissarro Palace).
- Cathedral.
- Archbishop's Palace.
- Municipal Palace.
Anyone will love unforgettable Lima (Peru). The sights make you admire and think about how the ancestors of these lands lived.
Pyramid in Lima
You can start getting acquainted with the history of the city from the pyramid, which is located where the streets of prestigious districts intersect. Although the height of the pyramid is much less than that of the Egyptian relative, it is still real. Once upon a time, the Indians in this place made sacrifices to their deities in a playful way. To see the pyramid on your own, you will have to pay $5, and accompanied by a guide - from $20.
It is famous for its ancient buildings in Lima (Peru). Guides work at many historical sites, they will tell many interesting stories.
Larco Museum
It contains exhibits - ceramic dishes, jewelry made of precious metals, various types of Indian weapons, clothing - which represent the history of the region for 3 thousand years. Much was collected by the businessman Larco, after whom the museum is named. The institution occupies the premises of a colonial palace built in the 18th century. The museum is famous for its erotic ceramic gallery. A visit to the Larco Museum will cost $10.
The city of Lima (Peru) is known all over the world for this exposition. Photos of the institution were published in many magazines and newspapers.
St. Francisca
When planning a sightseeing tour, you should not miss the opportunity to get acquainted with the complex of St. Francis. His highlight is the painting "The Last Supper". On it, in contrast to the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci "The Last Supper", Christ and his apostles are depicted in an unusual perspective - they feast on a guinea pig and drink chicha. Complex of St. Francis makes up several objects: a monastery, a church, chapels, catacombs. Here is such a different and attractive for tourists Lima (Peru). The sights of the city amaze with their beauty andantiquity.
After the earthquake of 1672, the destroyed building had to be restored. According to experts, this complex should be classified as one of the most significant architectural examples, which are made in the Baroque style.
Fountain complex
It is unlikely that anywhere else in the world there is such a complex of fountains, which, in terms of occupied area, can be compared with the Parc la Reserva, which was the reason to include it in the Guinness Book of Records. The show is especially impressive in the evening, when the sound of fountains is accompanied by national Peruvian and classical music.
After organizing such a monument, hundreds of tourists from all over the world went to Peru (Lima). Hotels can be found in many parts of the city. Prices are very affordable, ranging from $25 to $1,000 per night.
Temples of pre-Inca civilizations
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, civilization already existed in Peru. This can be judged by the presence of dilapidated temples. They are located near residential areas. Of archaeological value is the Huaca Puklana complex, which played the role of a religious and at the same time an administrative center. A wall built in the middle of it divided it into two separate parts. Researchers suggest that the complex was built in the sixth century. Lima (Peru) is famous for these structures.
From the century before last, the first scientific research and impressions of travelers have reached our days. Only in the 50s of the last century, archaeologists began excavations. It was possible to extract artifacts in large quantities,among which:
- household items (ceramics and textiles);
- stone tools;
- remains of fruits, vegetables and animals.
The latter were probably presented to the deities so that they would be more favorable. Six years ago, researchers reported that they had found four mummies belonging to the pre-Inca Wari culture. Everything that was found in the excavations of Huaca Pukljana is now in museum exhibits. Nearby is the Huaca Pucllana restaurant, where visitors can, while sitting at tables and savoring drinks, periodically turn their heads towards the architectural complex.
Sugarloaf and other Indian buildings
In the San Isidro area there is an archaeological site called Huaca Hualyamarca (or Pan de Azucar, translated from Spanish as "Sugar Loaf") - a reconstructed clay pyramid. The approximate time of its creation falls between the 3rd and 6th centuries. The museum near the pyramid exhibits all the discovered artifacts.
If you leave Lima from the southeast side and continue moving in the same direction, then after about 40 km you will be lucky enough to find an archaeological complex called Pachacamac. In the ancient temples of the pyramidal form, it is difficult to see traces of frescoes. Also nearby are residential buildings and other objects of archaeological value. The Pachacamac complex is known as a religious center, therefore, for a long time, it has invariably attractedimagine pilgrims from all over the coastal territory of Peru.
In the Indian civilization that preceded the Inca Empire many centuries ago, the deity Pachamac (translated as "The One Who Gives Life") was worshiped as the creator of the universe. The most significant elements are subject to him - earthquakes and fire. According to researchers, in the territory where the Pachacamac complex is located, the first Indian settlements began to appear at the beginning of the third century from the birth of Christ. Approximately during this period, the construction of the first religious buildings falls. The peak of Pachamak's power falls on the 7th century (times of the Wari culture). Moreover, he was so great that neighboring lands fell into his sphere of influence. Beautiful and majestic Lima (Peru). Photos of ancient monuments can be found in this article.
El Paraiso Complex
Those who are planning a trip to the Pachamak complex, I would like to advise you to climb to the Temple of the Sun. Tourists enjoy the indescribable view of the Pacific Ocean, which can only be observed from the top of the mountain. From this angle, a completely different Lima (Peru) will appear.
Just two kilometers from the Peruvian capital, in a northerly direction, there is a huge archaeological complex of El Paraiso, which occupies more than 50 hectares of land. It's hard not to notice him. The buildings found on the territory of the complex belong to deep antiquity - more than two millennia before the birth of Christ. In those days, the population could be at least 3 thousand people. And now in some places you can find what is left ofresidential premises and places of worship.
Despite the fact that the existence of the El Paraiso complex was known many years ago, none of the archaeologists was seriously engaged in excavations. December 2012 was marked by the start of a grandiose project. It took only three months for the excavations to be crowned with major success. The scientific world learned about the discovery of an underground religious center near the main religious building. Its four levels belong to different historical periods and are arranged in chronological order. Regarding the time of construction, a hypothesis was put forward that it falls on the third millennium BC.
Paragliding over Lima
Nothing can compare with the impressions that remain after contemplating Lima from a bird's eye view. This type of excursion is made possible by paragliding. A certified instructor is always next to the pilot during the flight, so you don’t have to worry about safety. So the lack of any skills and experience cannot serve as an obstacle to getting pleasure and adrenaline.
The city of Lima (the capital of Peru) is increasingly in demand among tourists. There are also he alth care facilities in the area. By the way, in 2004 there was a large-scale strike of the city's medical staff.
