The Aliaga Virreynal House is a 16th-century mansion that remains occupied by descendants of one of the first settlers in Lima. It is said to be the oldest house in the Southern Hemisphere to be continuously inhabited by one family. The house has withstood constant threats from natural disasters and is the same age as the city itself. The mansion is ornate with majestic rooms and elaborate décor.
Walk around the house to take a look at the extravagant rooms. Learn about the history of Lima. You can take note of how the décor and architecture has changed over the centuries. Make your way through the large portal doors to find yourself in a grand hall. Appreciate the silence, which makes a refreshing change from the city life outside. There is a stone floor and marble staircase. Climb the stairs to the reception hall, which contains a sofa, a wooden table and plants.
Explore one of the bedrooms with furniture dating back to colonial times. Gaze at the religious paintings and antique rugs. Find the interior patio, which receives shelter from a tall ficus tree in its centre. Listen to the calming sound of water from the small fountain. Locate the central hallway of the house. It blends several styles of design, with old paintings and tiling from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Make sure you see the site’s chapel. It has a large gothic doorway and a white cross at its centre. The mansion was constructed on top of an ancient temple called The Huaca, which is now hidden from view by the rest of the house.
The site was built in 1535 for Don Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of the first of the Spanish settlers in Lima. It is now open for public viewing daily from morning until the late afternoon. There is a small entrance fee. You should book a tour online from the mansion’s official website.
You can find the Aliaga Virreynal House near the centre of Lima. It is just to the south of the Rimac River. The site is five blocks southwest of the disused Desamparados Station. The nearest bus station, the Estación, Jirón de la Union, is right next to the house. There are other important attractions in the area, such as the La Merced Church, the Segura Theatre and Plaza Mayor.
