Lima celebrated its 487th anniversary of Spanish foundation by Captain Francisco Pizarro, who chose the lands of curaca Taulichusco to found the “City of Kings” and the capital of the Spanish viceroyalty of Peru.
The pictures below will bring you back to some historical moments and spaces of the Peruvian capital city.
Those moments include the transformation of its Plaza Mayor (Main Square) and emblematic squares over the decades, as well as the origin and disappearance of public transportation services such as the tram.
1.
Lima’s Main Square featuring palm trees and parking lots around it. (1925). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
2.
View of Dos de Mayo Roundabout and Alfonso Ugarte Avenue. This picture shows the passing of trams and one of the eight modern buildings surrounding the roundabout , which were donated by the philanthropist Victor Larco Herrera (1951). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
3.
Side view of San Martin Square. (1945). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
4.
Embassy of Argentina and residences located in the first blocks of the central Arequipa Avenue. Vehicular traffic started to rise at the end of the 20th century. (1940).
5.
The Wiese House, built in 1920 on Paseo Colon Avenue in an old luxurious area of the city. The building currently houses the Casa del Maestro or House of the Teacher (1930). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
6.
The equestrian statue of Francisco Pizarro located in the atrium at the Cathedral of Lima. In 1952, the statue was moved to Pizarro Square and, in 2003, it was brought to Parque de la Muralla or Park of the Wall (1945). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
7.
The main premises of the Union Club, founded in 1868, were built on land donated by businessman Victor Larco Herrera (1950). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
8.
Former premises of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru at Plaza Francia or France Square (1953). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
9.
Passing of the Lima-Callao tram through Dos de Mayo Roundabout in the Historic Centre of Lima (1945). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
10.
Torre Tagle Palace (1930). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
11.
Old Limatambo Airport (1948). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
12.
Government Palace and Main Square of Lima (1947). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.
13.
Convent and Small Square of San Francisco or St. Francis (1956). Photo: Historical Archive of El Peruano.