North Coast - Peru - page 667

or carved-wood alternative. Iglesia del Carmen Offline map Google map (cnr Colón &
Bolívar) is home to an impressive Carmelite museum. Unfortunately, neither were open
for visitors at time of research.
On the opposite side of Bolívar, Iglesia de San Agustín Offline map Google map (cnr
Orbegoso & Bolívar; 9am-noon & 4-7:30pm) has a finely gilded high altar and dates
from 1558. Further southeast is Iglesia de Belén Offline map Google map ; north of here is
another mansion, the 1709 Casa de Mayorazgo de Facala Offline map Google map
(Pizarro 314; 9:30am-1pm & 4-7pm Mon-Fri) , which houses Scotiabank.

NORTH & WEST OF PLAZA DE ARMAS

Casa Ganoza Chopitea
Offline map Google map
(Independencia 630) Northeast of the cathedral, this c 1735 mansion, also known as Casa
de los Léones, is considered to be the best preserved mansion of the colonial period in
Trujillo. The details are stunning, from the elaborate gateway at the entrance to 300-year-
old frescos, Oregon pine pillars and rustic ceilings inside, some tied together with sheep-
skin.
Take note of the 'JHS' insignia above the entrance between the male and female lions
(from which one of the building's names derives). It stands for 'Jesus,' 'Hombre' (Man),
'Salvador' (Savior) and stems from the building's time as a convent (as does the lazy
Susan by the bathrooms). Best of all, perhaps, is that it now houses the wonderful Casona
Deza cafe ( Click here ) .

HISTORIC BUILDING

Museo Cassinelli
(N de Piérola 607; admission S7; 9am-1pm & 3-6pm Mon-Sat) This private archaeolo-
gical collection housed in the basement of a Repsol gas station (the one on the west side
of the intersection, not the east side) is fascinating, with some 2000 ceramic pieces on dis-
play (curated from a collection owned by Italian immigrants) that certainly don't belong
under a gritty petrol dispensary.
Have a look at the bird-shaped whistling pots, which produce clear notes when air is
blown into them (ask the curator to show you). Superficially the pots are very similar, but
when they are blown each produces a completely different note that corresponds to the
calls of the male and female birds. The mummified eight-month-old female fetus, born
premature, is estimated to date from AD 250 and will blow your mind as well.

MUSEUM