Lima was founded by Fransisco Pizarro on January 6, 1535. Today, Lima's population is in excess of 5 million persons, creating a city which is overcrowded with hopefuls from all over the country who come to Lima in search of a better life.
Because of the city's location in the center of the desert coastline, the climate has a tendency to be quite grey and dismal.
The museums here are fabulous, and an absolute must for beginning or ending your tour of Peru. There are also numerous old churches which hold a tremendous amount of Peru's history.
For centuries after its founding in 1535 by Fransisco Pizarro, Lima was the capital of SpainΓÇÖs realm in South America.
The modern city combines colonial styles with contemporary architecture, with structural innovations designed to avoid earthquake disasters.
The heart of the old city is the broad Plaza de Armas, laid out by Pizarro himself.
Colonial mansions mingle with lovely old churches in the narrow crowded streets. Much of its pre-Hispanic history is preserved in the Archaeological Museum, where there are rich remains of Inca and pre-Inca Indian civilizations.
Lima is the largest city in Peru , as well as being its center of political, social, cultural, commercial, and economic life.
There is a high level of air pollution, and the city has known many earthquakes which have varied in the degree of destruction.
