Lima

The History of Lima

Lima is the capital city of Peru which was created by a Spanish conqueror by name of Francisco Pizarro. It was created in January 1535 and was referred to as the City of the Kings which roughly translates to Ciudad de los Reyes in Spanish.

After Pizarro defeated the Inca Empire that previously inhabited the region, Lima was turned to the Viceroyalty of Peru, a seat of power that presided over the zones with Spanish interests in South America. During the course of the colonial era of Spanish rule, the majority of Spain’s business dealings with the continent was routed through Callao which is a close city to Lima as well as Peru’s major seaport. This was the sole reason that Lima was captured by Pizarro. This trade strategy happened during the entire three years of Spanish colonial rule.

As a result of this, Lima became an economic strong power in the entire South American region.

War and terrorism in Lima

However, during the War of the Pacific, the economic significance of Lima reduced. It was a fortress for battle troops that supported Spanish colonization of South America. In 1821, the city was taken over by General Jose de San Martin, a front runner of the independence movement and after five years it was announced as the capital of Peru.

However, between the years of 1881 and 1883, Lima was occupied by troops from Chile during the war that made the government of Peru seek refuge in the mountainous region of the Andes.

From 1980 to 1990 the city was terrorized by the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA). However, both terrorist groups have since been over powered in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

Present day Lima

Presently, Lima is still a prominent city in South America, and vastly features fascinating and awesome relics of the Inca Empire as well as other side attractions. Lima is still a preferred destination for Spanish tourists and businessmen. However, economically it is rivaled in South America by other countries such as Argentina, Chile and Brazil.

Places to visit in Lima, Peru

You can do almost anything in the district of Miraflores

Created as San Miguel de Miraflores, it is a locality in the Province of Lima and particularly a residential as well as a premium shopping area located in the southern part of downtown Lima. It  is also known as been among the districts for the wealthiest residents of Lima. Various hotels in the district include the Belmond, Hilton as well as the JW Marriott. While in Miraflores visitors and tourists can get the best Peruvian cuisines, Spanish delicacies, South American appetizers as well as popular dishes from around the world at high end restaurants. Bars are opened for visitors whose favourite pastime is drinking. Furthermore, for the partying type, there are exclusive upscale nightclubs dotted all around. Shopping malls, department stores as well as cinemas with an array of worldwide movies as well as finest “telenovela” (soaps) shows keep Miraflores’ attractiveness to a maximum. With several other show stopping features, the district of Miraflores is a major tourist destination in Lima and is also seen as one of the safest, but you must always have your wits about you.

Discover how the Real Felipe fortress was used to protect Lima and Peru’s major port from pirates

Constructed mainly as a defensive strategy for the Main Port of Peru as well as Lima, the Peruvian capital. It was meant to keep these two important Peruvian heritages from corsairs and pirates. It was significant in the 1866 clash between Peru and a Spanish naval fleet, ordered to reclaim Spanish colonies in South America.

The Real Felipe fortress is a must see attraction in Peru. Designed by Louis Godin, an architect from France. Named after King Felipe (V), a Spanish king. Most of the construction materials used where sourced from San Lorenzo Island. The Fortress was considered as being among the most significant new world constructions by Spain.

Places to eat in Lima

Lima does have restaurants and eateries that have on offer the best Peruvian cuisines, South American delicacies as well as other popular dishes from around the world. These restaurants cater to all gastronomical delight for a wide range of tourists who are attracted to the city of Lima for various reasons. The following are the most popular and easily located restaurants dotted around the busy city of Lima.

• La Vista Restaurant (4.5 Stars)
• Café Museo Larco (4.5 Stars)
• La Lucha (4.5 Stars)
• Maido (4.5 Stars)
• La Mar Cebicheria Peruana (4.5 Stars)
• Isolina Taberna Peruana (4.5 Stars)
• Rafael (4.5 Stars)
• Trattoria Don Vito (4.5 Stars)
• Restaurant El Mercado (4.5 Stars)
• La Rosa Náutica (4.5 Stars)