Historical Resume
This Quechua word means
"talkative". In Quechua language the initial " r " was
pronounced with the same sound that the simple "r" in Spanish, and not
as the intermediate " rr ", that is the reason why the first Spanish
columnists of the conquest produced the corruption, replacing the "r"
for "l" having this way the word "Lima" for
"Rímac", since the foundation of the city. Rímac was the
god of the oracles of the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this valley; this God had
a very magnificent temple at the arrival of the Spaniards.
Lima was founded in the valley of
Rímac, in the south bank of the river. During the Colony an urban center
was developed in the north bank, called "Under the Bridge", today it
has the name Rímac, and it is the oldest and traditional district in the
city of Lima, it has beautiful colonial constructions.
Cerro San Cristóbal (San Cristóbal
Hill)
Like the Rímac River, this hill is intimately linked with the
history of the city of the Lima. It rises above the city with a large
illuminated cross on its summit, as if standing guard, with the arms of the
cross stretched out to protect the inhabitants of the city. An annual pilgrimage
to hilltop, with Stations of the Cross. The hill now has an attractive
observation point, accessed by a good road, and from their visitors can have a
panoramic view of the Lima City. A museum exhibits old photograph of the area
and representations of typical characters such as the street hawkers, sellers of
chicha (Peruvian maize drink), etc. Visits: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 to
22:00)
Puente de Piedra (Bridge of
Stone)
Bridge built in 1608 by the architect Juan del Corral to join Lima
with Rímac. It was the only link between the two banks of the Rimac River
until President José Balta's government (1868). Arches and buttresses
support the bridge. Stone masonry mortar mixed with the whites of sea birds'
eggs is believed to have been used in the construction.
"Alameda de Los
Descalzos" (Boulevard of the Barefooted)
Jewel of the
colonial architecture, built in 1611 by the architect Juan del Corral. In 1856
President Ramón Castilla gave it a new line, fencing it with an iron
gate, ornamental jardinieres of English iron and 12 statues of Italian marble
that represent the months of the year, streetlights and benches. In its contour
are located the churches "Patrocinio" (1734), "Santa
Liberata" (XVIII century), and the Convent of "Los Descalzos" (XV
century).
Museum of the "Convento de los
Descalzos"
Location: Alameda de los Descalzos No. 202,
Rímac.
Attention: Daily, except Tuesday, from 09:30 to 13:00, and
from 15:00 to 18:00
Telephone: 481-0441
Exhibition of valuable paintings and colonial religious articles. The Church
and Convent "de los Descalzos" date from ends of the XV century.
"Paseo de Aguas" (Walk
of Waters)
Another masterpiece of the colonial architecture, built by the
Viceroy Amat y Junyet. Aqueducts systems, fountains, cascades that should were
fed by the waters of the Rímac River leading into an ornamental fountain.
In the course of the time it has suffered transformations that have varied its
original aspect.
Plaza de Acho
Taurine
bullring built in 1766 by order of the Viceroy Amat y Junyet with
Hipólito Landáburu's support. It is the third oldest plaza of the
world and considered the most beautiful and famous. There had been the best
bullfighters of the entire world. Every year here takes place the traditional
bullfight Fair of "Señor de los Milagros" (October - November),
in which are carried out bullfights with the best bullfighters in the world of
the present time, having as main trophy "El Escapulario de
Oro" (The Scapular of Gold).
Annex to the Plaza de Acho is located the Taurine Museum,
the attention is from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00, and it exhibits
collections of taurine paintings, suits, trophies and pictures on the history
and facts of Acho.
Quinta de Presa - Museo del
Virreynato
Country colonial large house, of Rococo style,
built in 1760, attributing its design to the Viceroy Amat y Junyet. It is the
only one in this type that is conserved. Declared as National Monument.
In 1920, it became the "Museo del Virreinato" (Viceroyalty Museum)
, where collections of paintings, clothes, furniture, and objects of the Spanish
viceroyalty in Peru are exhibited.