Behind the façades of Lima’s Historic Center hide the casonas, the great houses of the colonial nobility. With their inner courtyards, tiled walls and carved wooden balconies, they show how the wealthiest families of the Viceroyalty lived.
The balconies of Lima
The enclosed wooden balconies are a symbol of the city. Inspired by Moorish architecture, they allowed the ladies of the house to watch the street without being seen. Hundreds of them still decorate the Historic Center, and some of the most beautiful can be seen on the Archbishop’s Palace and on Jirón Ucayali.
Casa Aliaga
A few steps from the Plaza Mayor, Casa Aliaga stands on the land that Francisco Pizarro gave to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of the founders of Lima, in 1535. It is one of the oldest houses in the Americas and has belonged to the same family for centuries. Its rooms preserve colonial furniture, paintings and decorations from different periods.
Torre Tagle Palace
Built in the 18th century, the Torre Tagle Palace is considered the finest colonial mansion in Lima. Its stone portal, its two magnificent wooden balconies and its courtyard with Sevillian tiles make it a jewel of Peruvian Baroque. Today it is the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so visits are limited.
Casa de Osambela
The Casa de Osambela, near the Church of Santo Domingo, is famous for its five balconies and its lookout tower, from which, according to tradition, the owner watched the arrival of his ships at the port of Callao.
Visit the colonial mansions
Some mansions only open with prior arrangement. Ask us about including them in our Lima Private City Tour.