2/25/12 Lima

We flew from Cusco to Lima, the capital of Peru. Lima was named the "City of Kings" by the Spanish conquerors. Although it was an important pre-Inca religious center, the city was "founded" in 1536 by Francisco Pizarro and was the seat of Spain's New World Empire for 300 years. The population of the  metropolitan area of Lima is over 8 million.

We first went to the Larco Herrera Museum, housed in an 18th century colonial mansion. This museum has the best collection of pre-Columbian art in Peru. We were shocked by the amount of art, some of it in a storehouse yet to be preserved. We saw metal working, weaving and pottery.

The Storehouse!

When a ruler died, potters created likenesses of him which were placed in his tomb.

Earing and nose ring examples

After visiting the store room, we entered the museum in the gold section.

Textiles (some with gold weaving)

Woven Collar with Gold Accents

Weaving

Very Old Quipus - For Record Keeping

 Pottery

Decapitation

All buildings on this circle were blue!?!?!?

We then took a bus tour of the highlights of the city. Pictures out of the bus (mostly) - sorry!

Plaza Mayor - The main plaza

Presidential Palace

Cathedral

Colonial Style Building

Inside Casa Aliaga

We had a late lunch at Casa Aliaga, one of the first colonial mansions in Lima. It was built in 1535 for Don Jeronimo de Aliaga who was Pizarro's treasurer. It has been inhabited by the family since. We had an excellent gourmet meal and a great sendoff.

Church near the Miraflores Hotel

The sun is starting to set. Park at water's edge.