Lima's Historic Center

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.

Vacation in the Bavarian Forest - 2005

In August of 2005, myself and 16 other Americans embarked on one of the greatest vacations of all time. We arrived at Munich's Strauss Airport on a Monday morning.We took the U-Bahn to the Munich Train Station and from there we went on foot to see Karl's Tor the original gate of the old city.

Later that afternoon,we boarded the train, buying the Bayern Pass with which 5 persons may travel at the price of 1. Our destination was Passau the gateway to the Bavarian Forest. We arrived in Passau and rented several mini-vans. We drove to Bischofsreut,Bavaria admiring the beauty of the Bavarian Forest along the way. One kilometer north of Bischofsreut we arrived at Langreut and the Maercherenwald Hotel. Imagine our surprise to find a 5-Star Hotel in a hamlet of 20 people.

Officially it is only a 3 Star Hotel,but whoever made that rating was wrong.

Our rooms were spacious and included a kitchenette,a shower, and a King size bed. Our hosts the Berger Family were very gracious,Frau Berger was the cook and a most excellent cook. From the hotel, (with the help of Herr Berger and family).

We were able to take Bus trips to Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg, the Bus would arrive at 5 am, take us to these beautiful cities, and return us just in time for supper. Some people say Europe is too expensive, well, we paid only 30 Euros per person, and that included Breakfast, and Supper. Compare this to staying at a 5 star hotel south of Munich, where we were crammed into a small room, had to share a bathroom, and paid over 200 Euros per nite. By using our rooms at the Maerchenwald as our base, we spent 14 days exploring Eastern and Southern Europe. We also spent several days traveling on the Danube River, it was a 40 minute drive to Passau,and the Tour boats. If someone wanted to see Europe at a reasonable price, and stay safe in the process, nothing could beat our experience.