From 100 Facts for 100 Years of Machu Picchu - #58

By Catharine Hamm | Los Angeles Times Travel Editor

58. Spain called its conquered lands the "Viceroyalty of Peru," ruling for 300 years.

Under the Viceroyalty of Peru most of South America was under the control of Lima.  All ships traveling between South America and Europe and / or Asia were required to pass through the port of Callao (just outside of Lima).

Historic Lima

The site of modern day Lima Peru was founded January 18, 1535 by conquistador Francisco Pizzaro naming it The City of Kings. Yet the area's original name endured and it continued as Lima. The city became the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the Real Audiencia in 1543. The Americas were divided into two Viceroyalties - New Spain (based in Mexico City, Mexico) and Peru (based in Lima). It was from Lima that the Spanish oversaw and governed South America.
It was during these early years that the historic Center of Lima was built including the Plaza Major, The Basilica Cathedral of Lima (1535-1540), Governmental Palace-House of Pizzaro (1535), Archbishops Palace, House of Aligia (1535), House of Pilatos, the University of San Marco and Convent of Santo Domingo and the Court of Santo Oficio (1569).

Huaca Pucllana

Huaca Pucllana located in the Miraflores is one of many adobe pyramids found in Lima, Peru.  Built nearly 2000 years ago by the Lima Culture these pyramids were ignored for years, it has only been recently that these archaeological gems are being restored.
The Restaurant Huaca Pucllana offers traditional Peruvian Cuisine with an incredible panoramic vista of the ruins.

Plaza de Toros de Acho

 

The Plaza de Toros de Acho is the old bullfighting ring in the Americas and the 2nd oldest in the wold after La Maestranza in Spain.  Built of adobe and wood and located in Lima it is the largest of the 56 official bullrings in Peru.  Constructed in 1766, today the ring is used during the bullfighting fair to honor Senor de los Milagros - Sundays October through November.

Magic Water Tour - Fountains of Lima

Located in the Reserve Park in the Center of Lima the Magic Water Tour or 13 water fountains in Lima is the largest fountain complex in the world.  A wonderful place to come with a family many of the fountains are interactive with light shows and walk through fountains that encourage visitors to cool off while enjoying their visit.  The park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4pm to 11pm