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Peru

Cultural sightseeing in Peru. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

The heritage of the Incas and pre-Inca states most of all attract tourists to Peru. Ruins of temples, palaces and residential buildings of highly developed ancient civilizations, museums that contain archaeological finds and artifacts are the main tourist attractions of the country. The Inca Empire existed from the XI to the XVI century. It occupied a large territory. The Incas received some of the achievements and cultural heritage from the States of Moche, Huari, Nazca, Chan-Chan, Pukina, and Chachapoyas.
These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher. …
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The Nazca lines on the namesake plateau are located in the southern part of the country. More than 30 drawings, as well as various lines and spirals, are located in a huge space. They are executed with great accuracy. The execution of drawings required extreme skill from the ancient workers. They can only be seen from the air. This fact was the reason for their late discovery. The purpose and technique of drawing drawings are still unknown. It is better to take part in an organized tour to view the images in the best possible way. Tourists fly around the desert of the Nazca plateau by plane during this tour.
Machu Picchu is an Inca city that existed for just over a hundred years. It was built by the emperor Pachacuti as a residence-sanctuary. There was a palace complex, the houses of the nobles of the Empire, and a temple complex in the city. Machu Picchu is a real mystery. The city was abandoned by the inhabitant. But archaeologists have not yet found out the reasons for this, as well as its real name. The city is located high in the mountains, at an altitude of 2450 m above sea level. Therefore, it was not destroyed and looted by the conquistadors. It was discovered by scientists only at the beginning of the XX century. The city is built using construction technologies that amaze even modern people. Buildings built on slopes are stable. The stone blocks are carefully fitted. The buildings fit into the surrounding landscape. You should combine a visit to Machu Picchu with a climb to the mountain Huayna Picchu. Ancient steps lead there. The number of tourists who can visit the attraction per day is limited. Therefore, it is better to buy tickets through the Internet in advance. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Monuments and architectural objects, notable for the history and culture of the country. …
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Sacsayhuaman is a fortress and temple complex in Cusco, built by the Incas. Construction began in the XV century. The complex consists of three tiers of walls today. They are made in the technique of cyclopean masonry from giant stone blocks. The largest of them weigh more than 3000 tons. They were delivered from a distance of several tens of kilometers. Some archaeologists believe that the walls existed before the Incas, who built several places of worship inside the walls.
Cusco is one of the most important centers of the Inca Empire. The ruins of the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) have survived to this day. The Church of St. Dominic was built over them under the Spaniards. The same fate befell many other religious buildings and palaces of the nobility. The city looks unusual because of this. It shows a mix of Inca architecture and European architecture – Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. One of the most interesting museums in Peru is located in the city. This is a Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Exhibits relating to various pre-Columbian civilizations that existed on the territory of the country are located in 10 galleries there. The building itself is interesting. It is the former home of the Duke of Cabrera. It was built on the site of an Inca ceremonial complex.
Every region in Peru is characterized by its unique nature landscape. In this country one will find lifeless desert, snowcapped mountains and dense …
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If you want to see real Peruvian exotics, you should visit the island of Taquile on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. It seems that time has stopped here. Residents live by their own laws and moral rules. There is no crime, police, transport, cats, and dogs there. The main locality is located at an altitude of 3950 above sea level in the mountains. There are also no hotels here. Therefore, tourists stay in the homes of local residents.
Plaza de Armas Many ruins of ancient cities are located in the sacred valley of the Incas: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Urubamba. The ruins of the Inca city of Moray are located at an altitude of 3500 meters just 50 kilometers from Cusco. The city is famous for its unusual rounded terraces. Disputes about the purpose of the strange complex are still ongoing. Agricultural purpose is the most likely version.
Peruvian cuisine combines the traditions of indigenous people and the traditions of migrants who went to conquer a new country in search of gold and a …
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One of the most extraordinary natural attractions in the world is located 100 kilometers from Cusco in Peru. These are the Rainbow Mountains. They consist of red sandstone. It has acquired different colors under the influence of natural disasters and climatic conditions. You can admire the mountains and the Ausangate Glacier from a height of 5200 meters above sea level. The easiest way to explore the mountains is to become a part of an organized tour.
Lima is the capital of Peru. This is a fairly large megalopolis. The Historic Centre is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Most of the buildings are built in the colonial style, as well as in the Creole (Mestizo) style. The Natural History Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology are the most interesting. You should also visit the Cathedral with the tomb of Pizarro and the complex dedicated to Saint Francis. The largest fountain complex in the world is located in the Parque de la Reserva.
Peru guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Peru

Reference information
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Peru
♥   Art museum 'Museo de Arte de Lima' Lima. On the map   Photos
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas in Peru
♥   Catedral San Antonio, Huancavélica. On the map   Photos
♥   Catedral, Puerto Maldonado. On the map   Photos
♥   Catedral San José en Bellavista, Callao. On the map   Photos
♥   Basilica Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Lima. On the map   Photos
♥   Catedral del Buen Pastor, Sol De Oro. On the map   Photos
♥   Catedral Santa Ana, Tarma. On the map   Photos
♥   Catedral San Ramón, San Ramón. On the map   Photos
Map of all palaces
Palaces in Peru
♥   Palace 'Archbishop Palace' Lima. On the map   Photos
♥   Palace 'Government Palace' Lima. On the map   Photos
♥   Palace 'Machu Picchu' Cusco. On the map   Photos
♥   Palace 'Osambela House' Lima. On the map   Photos
♥   Palace 'Palace of Justice' Lima. On the map   Photos

Extreme Guinness-type places in Peru

Machu Picchu Citadel

From the series “Famous Unesco Sites in South America”
Of course, one of the most recognized and visited tourist attractions of the South American continent is Machu Picchu. The ancient city of the Incas is one of the seven modern wonders of the world. A lot of unsolved mysteries are associated with it. The main mystery lies in the mysterious disappearance of locals who, according to available evidence, left their hometown literally overnight. The town lost in the Peruvian mountains has being empty for three hundred years. Its ruins were discovered accidentally.

There are no written evidences of the existence of the ancient city. Even in the colonial era, no one knew about this city. The site was found only in the early 20th century. During the time of the Incas, Machu Picchu was an impregnable fortress town, whose territory embraced more … Read all

Cusco City

From the series “Famous Unesco Sites in South America”
The Peruvian city of Cusco is an important archeological area. The research of archaeologists has shown that people began to settle in that places more than 3 000 years ago. First tribes of the Incas have lived there. A major city has remained the capital of their empire for many years. During archaeological excavations, ruins of ancient temples and places of worship were discovered, as well as numerous places of ritual sacrifices.

For hundreds of years, the capital of the Incas has retained its unique shape. The city was adorned by palaces and temples. Many buildings of the colonial era, which can be seen while walking, were built on the foundations of ancient structures. In addition to numerous architectural monuments, Cusco city is worth noting because of unique museums.

The … Read all
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Top cultural sites of Peru: monuments, theaters and churches

Cathedral of Lima, Lima

Location on the map:     Interesting facts:
» The Cathedral of Lima is a very picturesque building decorated with statues and stone elements. The cathedral looks very spectacular at night when it is illuminated from all angles.
» Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador and founder of the city, started the construction of the first Catholic church in 1535.
» Over the centuries, it had been destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt many times. That is why the exterior of the church combines different architectural styles.
» In 1797, two bell towers were built near the cathedral.
» When the church was last restored, old paintings that are displayed today were found. There is also the grave of Francisco Pizarro.
» In 1921, the church gained the status of a basilica. The cathedral was visited by Pope twice, in 1985 and 1988.

Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Lima

Location on the map:   Interesting facts: » The Church of Our Lady of Mercy is designed in the baroque style. It is one of the constructions built in the style called Churrigueresque.
»  The church was built on the initiative of monk Miguel de Orenes in 1535. It was dedicated to Archangel Michael. The Church of Our Lady of Mercy patronizes the Peruvian Armed Forces.
»  The church is located in the historical center of Lima, on the border between the sixth quarter Jirón de la Unión and the first quarter Jirón Antonio Miró Quesada.
»  The interior of the church features different stylistic elements and is decorated with sculptures and paintings of Wikongo culture
»  The altar in the church is not so decorated, as other relics kept here. However, it is gilded completely.
»  In the central part of the church, you can see the picture of Our Lady of Mercy who was considered as the heavenly patroness of the city. In 1730, Cabildo called her the Infinite Patroness of the Fields of Lima. These fields were fruitless at that time. In the period of the Republic, she was recognized as the patroness of the country by the Founding Congress of Peru in 1823.

Church of San Sebastian, Lima

Location on the map:   Interesting facts: » The wooden Church of San Sebastian was built in the middle of the 17th century. In 1651, it was destroyed by fire. Soon, it was rebuilt of brick. Natural disasters destroyed the church again.
»  In 1880, a steel structure was made to order in Belgium. Then, 52 tons of parts were shipped to the island. Stained glass windows were made by German masters. Six fonts were made of Romblon marble.
»  The main value of the church is the statue of the Virgin. It was gifted by Mexican nuns in 1617. In 1975, the head of the Virgin was stolen.
»  The church is a rectangular construction built in the New Gothic style. It has steeple roofed towers. They are situated on both sides of the central entrance.
»  The main portal is decorated with a big round window with a blossoming flower. Doorways are arched here.
»  Iron columns of different heights are marble. The walls seem to be made of stone. The ceiling is covered with colorful stones too.
»  In the church, there are chandeliers and several tiers. The decorated altar symbolizes the power of the Catholic Church.
»  There are no similar metal churches in the world.

Church of St. Peter, Lima

Location on the map:   Interesting facts: » «Iglesia de San Pedro» is the Spanish name of the Church of St. Peter in Lima. It had been named San Pablo before.
»  The church started to be built upon the order of the Jesuits from Peru.
»  The construction was completed in 1638.
»  Now, the Church of St. Peter belongs to the Jesuits.
»  It is a part of the Archdiocese and the historical center of Lima. In 1991, the church was also registered on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
»  In the church, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is especially revered.
»  The viceroy of Peru Ambrosio O'Higgins was among people who were buried in the Church of St. Peter.
»  The facade of the building is neoclassical. According to the project, the interior imitates the main architectural monument of the Jesuits in Rome, the Church of the Gesu.
»  Behind the altars of the church, there are rooms decorated with baroque ornaments.
»  A lot of its artifacts were presented by aristocrats. So, the most interesting thing in the church is its collection of relics.

Convent of Santo Domingo, Lima

Location on the map:   Interesting facts: » The Convent of Santo Domingo was founded during the reign of the first governor Francisco Pizarro who gifted the land to a monk participating in aggressive military campaigns.
» The construction was started in 1540.
» The church built in the territory of the monastery is truly Peruvian. There are ashes of three famous canonized and revered Peruvian saints, St. Rose of Lima, St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639), and St. John Macias (1585-1645).
» One of them, Martin de Porres, was a dark-skinned illegitimate church novice who was let into the brotherhood for his deeds.
» The church is crowned by a domed bell tower with the statue of an angel that holds a pipe for proclaiming the last Judgment.
» In the monastery, the National University of San Marcos was founded in 1551. It is the oldest university in South America.

Cross at Mount St. Christopher, Lima

Location on the map:   Interesting facts: » In the north-east of Santiago, there is San Cristobal Hill. Its first name is Tupahue, which is translated is “Mount of God”.
»  The hill gained its second name after the Spanish and Chilean San Cristobal family. Its peak at a height of 300 m has a view of central quarters of Santiago and the snowy Andes.
»  For many years, the Incas had thought that the hill was sacred.
»  In the late 15th and 16th centuries, in the epoch of Spanish conquistadors, the hill was named San Cristobal after saint martyr Christopher revered by Catholic and Orthodox Churches. He patronizes travelers.
»  Visitors put candles and notes with wishes on the foundation of the cross. The hill is crowned by a historical monument, the cross of St. Christopher. It was placed by Pizarro who was the conqueror of the Incas’ empire and founded the city of Lima.
»  There is an observation platform around the monument. At its foot, there is Santiago Metropolitan, the biggest artificial park in the city.
»  You can reach the peak on foot, by tram, or by taxi. In Bellavista, there is a funicular station. You can also reach the top by funicular.

Government Palace, Lima

Location on the map:     Interesting facts:
» Casa de Pizarro is the residence of the President of Peru. The first palace was built in 1535 by the first governor Francisco Pizarro, on the spacious Indian cemetery.
» The palace was destroyed by an earthquake in 1586. A new building was destroyed by a fire.
» The last reconstruction was started in 1937. The palace was built by a Polish architect Ricardo de Jaxa Malachowski. In the courtyard of the residence, there is a garden. As the legend says, there is a tree planted by Francisco Pizarro.
» In the palace, halls and rooms have different names and are dedicated to persons who made their mark on Peruvian history.
» Interiors of halls match their names. The Sevillian Patio features tiles made in Seville. Everything in the Golden Hall is covered with gold leaf. Ambassadors are solemnly hosted here. Beneath this hall, the Temple of the Incas was found during archeological excavations. The room of Admiral Miguel Grau, a naval hero, is decorated with picturesque paintings.
» Every day at 12 o’clock, you can see the changing of the President Guards that protect the residence of the President.

Justice Palace, Lima

Location on the map:     Interesting facts:
» The Palace of Justice in Lima is the seat of the Supreme Court. This building started to be built upon the order of President Augusto B. Leguia in 1929.
» The Palace was completed in 1939 under the presidency of Oscar R. Benavides.
» The project of the building was developed by a Polish architect Bruno Paprocki.
» At that time, a bronze medal with the Justice Palace was made.
» Nowadays, it is the seat of the Supreme court with a basement archive and pre-trial chambers for suspects.

Culture and monuments in popular cities of Peru

Arequipa
A frozen mummy of a young girl is the most famous exhibit in the museum. It is internationally famous as “Juanita”. The mummy was discovered high in the mountains in 1995. The discovery of the mummy was a real sensation in the scientific world. The girl, who was no more than 15 years, was buried among the glaciers yet in the mid-15th century. In the opinion of historians, the girl was sacrificed to Incan gods. Today, this is one of the most well-preserved mummies in the world. Museo de … Read more
Lima
The next attraction that deserves an attention of foreign travelers is Monasterio de San Francisco. Of course, this old building has great architectural and historical value. However, travelers are attracted by an opportunity to go down into catacombs, an extensive system of underground tunnels. Those catacombs were built more than 300 years ago, about 70,000 graves are located there. It’s also worth to look into the old library, which has a collection of thousands of unique books. There … Read more

Peru map of cultural and historical sites

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