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City Guide - Lima - Sightseeing | ||
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Sightseeing Lima's sheer size often bewilders visitors but many of the city's museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located in the historic centre. In the old days, the centre was filthy and overcrowded, but a recent campaign to clean up the streets has paid dividends. Now the centre has much to delight sightseers. Tours usually start in Plaza de Armas, which was the city's main meeting point and marketplace. Around four hundred years ago bullfights were held in this square - the current bullring is a ten-minute walk away. Dominating the square is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). It stands on the site of the original palace built by Lima's founder Pizarro. Also on the main square is the Cathedral, rebuilt in 1758 after an earthquake destroyed the original building. Pizarro's daughter helped pay for the original cathedral on condition that her father was buried in the crypt. The nearby Pasaje Nicolas de Ribera el Viejo sports elegant cafés. Also nearby is one of the city's most beautiful Spanish colonial mansions, Palacio Torre Tagle, with its Moorish-influenced wooden balconies. A few blocks east lies Plaza Bolivar, where the fascinating Museo de la Inquisicion (Spanish Inquisition Museum) is located. Other 'musts' include the Museo de la Nacion for an overview of Peru's archaeological riches) and the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum) with its collection of stunning gold artefacts. Away from the centre lie the fashionable seaside suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro, while the suburb of Barranco offers lively, bohemian bars. Tourist Information PromPeru Edificio Mitinci, Calle Uno, 13th and 14th floors, San Isidro Tel: (01) 224 9355. Fax: (01) 224 3323. E-mail: infoperu@promperu.gob.pe Website: www.peruonline.net Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Also very helpful are The South American Explorers Club, Avenida Republica de Portugal 146, Breña (tel (01) 425 0142); and Fertur Peru, Jiron Junin 211 (main office), Plaza de Armas. |