Lima, Callao Region, PeruUsed Uber
to get from the hotel to all our sightseeing, []which was certainly convenient and reasonably priced. Some drivers spoke some English; others didn't. Keith spoke enough Spanish to communicate, which was wonderful!
LIMA CENTRAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
Basílica y Convento de San Francisco is the Spanish name for Saint Francis Monastery. The yellow buildings completed in 1674 really stand out. The church is noted for its architecture; spectacular carved portal.
On the side is the entrance for the tour that includes the convent, cloister-lined courtyard, and catacombs. Unfortunately, no photographing allowed inside.
Especially impressive were: Wood-domed ceiling, Choir room lined with wooden seats decorated with masks, and View of the high alter from the balcony.
The Convent's Library is world-renowned with 20,000+ books on two levels; some dating as far back as the 14th century; noted for the King Bibles. Impressive Art especially the massive Last Supper painting depicting Jesus and his disciples partaking of Peruvian foods such as cuy (guinea pig), potatoes, and chilies; also peculiar is the Devil hovering besides Judas.
Basílica y Convento de San Francisco is the Spanish name for Saint Francis Monastery. The yellow buildings completed in 1674 really stand out. The church is noted for its architecture; spectacular carved portal.
On the side is the entrance for the tour that includes the convent, cloister-lined courtyard, and catacombs. Unfortunately, no photographing allowed inside.
Especially impressive were: Wood-domed ceiling, Choir room lined with wooden seats decorated with masks, and View of the high alter from the balcony.
The Convent's Library is world-renowned with 20,000+ books on two levels; some dating as far back as the 14th century; noted for the King Bibles. Impressive Art especially the massive Last Supper painting depicting Jesus and his disciples partaking of Peruvian foods such as cuy (guinea pig), potatoes, and chilies; also peculiar is the Devil hovering besides Judas.
Walking along the Cloister (covered walkway between the building and courtyard) are beautiful tiles lining the wall. One tile bore the date 1620! To think that those tiles have survived nearly 500 years is just mind-boggling. Above the tiles are a series of murals portraying the life of Saint Francis of Assisi (“San Francisco” in Spanish).
Catacombs: The beauty above ground disintegrated into eeriness below with 3,000 years of burials here from 16th-19th centuries. Actually part of Lima's original cemeteries that were built under churches. An estimated 75,000 bodies are buried under San Francisco, and many of the remains are exposed, stacked in strange patterns in circular stone pits. Walking through here definitely is a strange feeling.
After leaving the catacombs, a Cistercian Monk was walking quietly along the cloister; he evoked such a sense of peacefulness.
Very worthwhile tour; however, the guide Ana talked pretty fast and was difficult to understand. Good thing the signs in each room had detailed explanations. Spent about an hour here. Planned to go inside the church next, but it closes from 11-4; bummer!
Catacombs: The beauty above ground disintegrated into eeriness below with 3,000 years of burials here from 16th-19th centuries. Actually part of Lima's original cemeteries that were built under churches. An estimated 75,000 bodies are buried under San Francisco, and many of the remains are exposed, stacked in strange patterns in circular stone pits. Walking through here definitely is a strange feeling.
After leaving the catacombs, a Cistercian Monk was walking quietly along the cloister; he evoked such a sense of peacefulness.
Very worthwhile tour; however, the guide Ana talked pretty fast and was difficult to understand. Good thing the signs in each room had detailed explanations. Spent about an hour here. Planned to go inside the church next, but it closes from 11-4; bummer!
As we walked to our lunch destination, admired the Balconies for which Lima is famous. They were made quite high so the single women would be able to go outside and watch the events that were passing by without being seen.
The restaurant is a few buildings from Plaza de Armas. However, all the side streets to the Plaza were blocked off with armed guards, who would not let us through. Finally got to spot where they let us in.
Don Juan restaurant for Peruvian food. The outside doesn't look that appealing, but inside is delightful and the waitress was great. Portions are large, so we split Chicken Saltos (chicken pieces, onion, tomato slices cooked in sauce on top of french fries)--very good and flavorful. Barb's fish & mashed potatoes excellent.
Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor) - beautiful colonial plaza in the heart of the historic district. Many of the old buildings were renovated after the 1746 earthquake.
Cathedral of Lima constructed between 1564-6649 was built to convey the power of the Church in the lives of colonists and natives. In addition to the awe-inspiring building, the museum showcases one of the city’s best collections of religious artwork. Spectacular main aisle and alter. The 14 side chapels are remarkable.
Archbishops Palace - even though this oppulent building looks old, it was built in 1924. Striking granite facade and two ornate cedar wood balconies on both side of the front door.
Government Palace -official home of Peru's President; no wonder it's so heavily guarded. Back in the time of the Incas, the site had strategic and spiritual meaning, which is why the last Inca chief in Lima also lived here.
Magistrates House is the Aliaga mansion built in 1535, the oldest house in all the Americas.
The restaurant is a few buildings from Plaza de Armas. However, all the side streets to the Plaza were blocked off with armed guards, who would not let us through. Finally got to spot where they let us in.
Don Juan restaurant for Peruvian food. The outside doesn't look that appealing, but inside is delightful and the waitress was great. Portions are large, so we split Chicken Saltos (chicken pieces, onion, tomato slices cooked in sauce on top of french fries)--very good and flavorful. Barb's fish & mashed potatoes excellent.
Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor) - beautiful colonial plaza in the heart of the historic district. Many of the old buildings were renovated after the 1746 earthquake.
Cathedral of Lima constructed between 1564-6649 was built to convey the power of the Church in the lives of colonists and natives. In addition to the awe-inspiring building, the museum showcases one of the city’s best collections of religious artwork. Spectacular main aisle and alter. The 14 side chapels are remarkable.
Archbishops Palace - even though this oppulent building looks old, it was built in 1924. Striking granite facade and two ornate cedar wood balconies on both side of the front door.
Government Palace -official home of Peru's President; no wonder it's so heavily guarded. Back in the time of the Incas, the site had strategic and spiritual meaning, which is why the last Inca chief in Lima also lived here.
Magistrates House is the Aliaga mansion built in 1535, the oldest house in all the Americas.
Right next to the Plaza is the Municipal Palace, which is where where the Library we want to see is located. Had to show photo id and get a visitor's pass. Got off the elevator, walked through a beautiful atrium-type room with with a glass ceiling.
Then the spectacular Library with its unbelievable woodwork, which as even better than the photos that led us here.
On all the streets, someone would ask for money, even with police everywhere.
Union Street was a delightful pedestrian walkway lined with beautiful buildings.
Iglesia la Merced, where the first Holy Mass of Lima was celebrated in 1534, was originally a small wooden building.
Then the spectacular Library with its unbelievable woodwork, which as even better than the photos that led us here.
On all the streets, someone would ask for money, even with police everywhere.
Union Street was a delightful pedestrian walkway lined with beautiful buildings.
Iglesia la Merced, where the first Holy Mass of Lima was celebrated in 1534, was originally a small wooden building.
Plaza San Martin
to see the Gran Hotel Bolivar.
Lobby is beautiful.
Bar for a pisco sour, the national drink made with pisco brandy, sugar, lime juice, raw egg white. They only serve drinks, so went to the restaurant in order to also get desserts.
Bar for a pisco sour, the national drink made with pisco brandy, sugar, lime juice, raw egg white. They only serve drinks, so went to the restaurant in order to also get desserts.
Uber back to the Hotel. Rosa Nautica for dinner (reservations made yesterday). One of the most famous restaurants in Lima. It is STUNNING! Unbelievable location perched atop railway pilings jutting out into the ocean. It looks straight out of a Disney movie as we walk along the long boardwalk to the Victorian building
Can't beat the atmosphere sitting outside with the coast all lit up and waves lapping at the pier.
Thoroughly enjoyed the excellent food: ceviche, chicharrón, grilled octopus, seabass cooked in pernod sauce with scallops & crayfish in puff pastry with anise sauce. So fun sharing and trying everything.
Leisurely walk back along the pier taking photos of the coastline illuminated all the way to the Cross shining brightly at the end of the bay.
Delightful way to end a delightful day!
2025-05-23