Fortunately, the times of colonialism ended many years ago. But it cannot be denied that these dark times have left numerous influences on Peruvian culture. One of those strong influences is architecture, of which some examples are still appreciable today. From huge monasteries to luxurious presidential palaces, you can find a wide variety of buildings in Peru. And for this reason, together with the travel experts of Cusco Peru Travel, we have prepared a small article about the best examples of architecture in Peru. Join us to explore some historical buildings!
Architecture in Peru: The most popular examples of colonial architecture
The Government Palace previously served as the palace of the Spanish viceroy and as the property of Francisco Pizarro. The renowned building in Peru today serves as the residence of the incumbent president. The building occupies an entire block and was rebuilt in 1937 in the style it boasts today. Its luxurious baroque style dominates the entire north side of Lima’s beautiful Plaza de Armas. For those who wish it, every day at noon the changing of the guard takes place, a show worthy of appreciation. But in case you want to tour its interiors, it is necessary to book a visit at least 48 hours in advance. If you plan to enjoy a full day in Lima, be sure to visit this beautiful building.
The Church of Santo Domingo dates from the 16th century and is one of the most charming churches in the Peruvian capital. With its pink arches, domes, it cannot be denied that this place is one of the greatest exponents of Peruvian architecture. Even its patios adorned with colonial fountains and white rose bushes, its baroque paintings, and Spanish tiles decorating its interiors make up the great attraction of this place. But its appearance is not the only attraction behind this place. This building in Peru also has a great history behind it, so it is not only a picturesque construction.
The beautiful and incomparable Casa Aliaga has belonged to 16 generations of the Aliaga family. Its first owner was Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of Francisco Pizarro’s most trusted partners. This picturesque colonial mansion could be considered one of the oldest examples of colonial architecture. This building in Peru is in excellent condition but is often overlooked due to its hidden location. But despite this, once you get to tour its interiors, you can understand why it is mentioned. With its beautiful luxurious furniture, original colonial tiles, and high-value pieces of art, you will understand why it is considered a fine example of architecture in Peru. Reasons to visit Peru abound, but visiting one of these buildings is an important one.
The Cathedral of Cusco is one of the most beautiful and picturesque buildings in Peru in the city. It is located right in the Plaza de Armas, dominating the majority with its imposing presence. It was built on the foundations of the golden palace of Viracocha Inca. Carved stone from the nearby fortress of Sacsayhuamán was used for its construction. You can admire in all its details a clear Gothic-Renaissance style. Today, its interiors display one of the largest collections of colonial art in the country. If you are going to visit Cusco, you cannot miss a tour of this building.
Just across the Plaza de Armas is another impressive example of architecture in Peru. After the construction of the Cathedral, the Church of La Compañia de Jesús began to be built. It was built in 1571 but was not intended to overshadow the existing Cathedral. But apparently, they didn’t want to be left behind either, with one of Peru’s largest altars and an elaborate Baroque-style facade. The church itself is a sight to behold and one of the main tourist attractions in Cusco. To learn a little more about the history of this fascinating church, you can organize a guided tour.
Arequipa is an excellent destination to appreciate numerous examples of architecture in Peru. And one of its most prominent examples is the famous Basilica of Arequipa. This huge cathedral stretches the entire length of the central square and steals all the attention from its surroundings. But its size is not the only recognizable feature of the building, its remarkable ashlar construction also gives it a certain appeal. Like most buildings in Arequipa, it was built with white volcanic rock. In addition to the mystical Misti snow-capped volcano in the background, they offer unique sunsets for those looking for surreal photographs. Touring the Cathedral is one of the main things to do in Arequipa. The renowned building is open to tourists throughout the week.
The monastery occupies an area of 20,000 square meters and is considered a “city within a city”. This amazing convent is one of the most picturesque and amazing religious complexes in all of Peru. It was frequented by wealthy families with the intention of turning their daughters into nuns. The different homes within the complex are in excellent condition. This without counting its extensive network of colorful streets, squares, and prayer rooms that gave the enclosure a great realistic appeal. Within our luxury Peru tours, you will have the opportunity to visit this and other important buildings in Peru.
“OLD IDEAS CAN SOMETIMES USE NEW BUILDINGS. NEW IDEAS MUST USE OLD BUILDINGS.”
Cusco Peru Travel hopes to have been helpful. Remember that these are just a few popular examples of architecture in Peru. But the truth is that all its cities are under investigation. With so many historic and picturesque buildings, it’s no surprise that Peru has so much to offer. If you want to find out more about our guided tours, you can consult with our advisors.
Peru has many wonders waiting for you to be discovered. Here in Cusco Peru Travel, our speciality is to make your trip an outstanding experience, fill-in this form and let your tailor-made luxury Peru vacation begin.
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