Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If You Like...
Colonial Architecture
If you like the resplendent baroque lines of the Palacio Torre Tagle (
Click here
), the city contains myriad other co-
lonial treasures worth exploring. A guide to some of the finest:
1 PANTEÓN DE LOS PRÓCERES
( 427-8157; Parque Universitario, Central Lima; 10am-5pm)
This little-visited 18th-century Jesuit
church is filled with tributes to Peruvian battle heroes and a 16th-century baroque altar that dates back to the 1500s.
2 CONVENTO DE LOS DESCALZOS
( 481-0441; Alameda de los Descalzos s/n, Rímac; admission S6; 10am-1pm & 3-6pm, closed
Tue)
In the north Lima neighborhood of Rímac lies this somewhat forgotten 16th-century convent and museum run
by the Franciscans. In addition to elaborately decorated cloisters and the original monastic cells, it contains some
300 colonial paintings, including canvases by renowned Cuzco School artist Diego Quispe Tito. Taxis from the
Plaza de Armas start at S10.
3 IGLESIA DE SAN AGUSTÍN
( 427-7548; cnr Ica & Camaná; 8-9am & 4:30-7:30pm Mon-Fri)
The interiors are rather drab, but this
church has an elaborate
churrigueresque
facade (completed in 1720), replete with stone carvings of angels, flowers,
fruit and, of course, St Augustine.
4 CASA DE PILATOS
( 427-5814; Ancash 390, Central Lima; 8am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Fri)
The lovely red Casa de Pilatos
is home to the offices of the Tribunal Constitucional (Supreme Court). Access is limited; visitors are only allowed
into the courtyard if there are no official meetings, so you may have to settle for views of the exteriors only. Enter
via Azángaro.
Sleeping
The seaside neighborhood of Miraflores tends to be where most travelers congregate. That
doesn't mean there aren't excellent places to lay your head in other parts of the city. Credit
cards accepted at all of the hotels listed below.
