The historic center of Lima was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. As one of the most storied of Latin America's cities it is certainly worthy of the designation. Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, and after the final defeat of the Inca Empire in Cusco, it quickly became the favored city of the conquistador, who took special interest in the planning of the city. Today, the buildings that are most representative of Lima's past are concentrated here. When touring through the historic center, travelers will notice a preponderance of balconies - more than 1,600 of them - built during the viceregal and republican eras.
The Plaza Mayor in the location of the city's founding. Originally, it was surrounded by stores and it served as a center for commercial activity and also as a stage for political theater, including the executions of the Inquisition. Throughout the years, the Plaza has retained its symbolic power, and in 1821, the Independence of Peru was declared here. Many government and religious building surround the Plaza, including the Palace of the Government, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace.
The Basilica Cathedral of Lima is one of the iconic buildings that surround the Plaza, and its construction began the same year as the city's founding. The Cathedral contains the tomb of Francisco Pizarro. Earthquakes have destroyed some of the Cathedral's structures, but restorations have preserved much of the original façade.
Also on the Plaza Mayor is the Archbishop's Palace, which still serves as the administrative center for the Catholic diocese in Lima. The outside façade is a typical example of baroque neo-colonial architecture and features 2 of the famed Lima balconies also in a neo-baroque style and crafted from cedar wood that recalls the Andalusian aspirations of Peru.
On block from the Plaza is San Francisco Monastery, whose construction began in 1673 and took over a century to complete, surviving through 2 earthquake in 1687 and 1746. Its architecture is an example of Spanish baroque and its interior Mudejar decoration also reflects the mixed Spanish-Moorish heritage of Peru's conquistadors. The convent houses an extensive library, including some rare holdings such as a Bible printed in 1571. Below the monastery are the catacombs with underground passageways that connect to the Cathedral and the Tribunal of the Inquisition. Although the exact number is not known, the catacombs are believed to hold over 70,000 burials.
In addition to churches and palaces, the historic center is filled with mansions that served as houses and administrative buildings.
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