With a long life of almost five centuries, Casa Aliaga is one of the greatest architectural and cultural jewels that Lima treasures. And this beautiful viceregal mansion has gracefully withstood the passage of time, being a witness and protagonist of the most important events that have marked the history of this city from its beginnings to the present.
The 18 environments covered with great beauty that surround each of its corners never cease to amaze visitors. Furthermore, there is no other house on the continent in which the same family continues to live in, through countless generations, for more than 480 years!
Next, discover the secrets hidden in this emblematic house and visit each of its spaces that, we are sure, will take you back in time.
After the founding of Lima in 1535, the land where the house is currently located was given to Jerónimo de Aliaga - a trusted man of Francisco Pizarro -, as part of a distribution of lots and plots that the Spanish conqueror gave in gratitude to those who They accompanied him at all times. According to historians, there was an ancient temple belonging to an Inca curaca who administered part of the Rímac River valley in the mid-16th century.
Although its original construction was made of quincha and adobe, the passage of time and the various earthquakes forced its structures to be restored on several occasions. As a result, today the mansion exhibits a combination of styles ranging from Renaissance to Baroque and Neoclassical.
When visiting the house, the first thing that catches your attention is the imposing entrance portal made of carved wood and which reaches 3 meters in height. If you look closely, you will be able to distinguish the engraved initials of one of the family's descendants on the surface. Despite the passage of time, the wooden balcony, built in the Republican era, remains in perfect condition.
The tour begins in the main hall, which dazzles with its golden color. Large mirrors with gold leaf frames surround the entire space, highlighting in one of them the face of the princess of Austria, Marie Antoinette. Another object that attracts attention is an impressive gold stove whose design is covered with the 12 signs of the zodiac. Japanese vases and paintings of family members are also part of the set of beautiful decorations that can be seen in the place.
Inside, there is a beautiful chapel where eventual marriages and baptisms were held, and which, according to history, was very frequented by Saint Rose of Lima who, due to the closeness she had with the family, performed her prayers here.
Another very special and one of the most charming environments in the house is the Sevillian-style central patio, in the center of which is a beautiful cast iron pool dating from the 19th century. This place also has a huge ficus tree that is more than 200 years old and fills the space with greenery.
As in any home, the dining room is present with elegant Italian tableware and chandeliers from the period. In the middle you can see a rectangular table where in the past the family met under a carved ceiling made entirely of wood. The rooms also preserve the same decoration where the only channel of light is a window located in the ceiling. Let us remember that before the lighting was only with candles because there was no electric current.
Another space with great history is the tile room, which also serves as a family museum. Here you can see a fireplace, at the top of which is the painting by Jerónimo de Aliaga, accompanied by his original sword.
You can take a complete tour of the facilities of this impressive house from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. m. and 4:00 p.m. m. The visit is booked in advance and is accompanied by a guide who will tell you more about its historical and cultural legacy, as well as hidden secrets and interesting stories hidden within.
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