Built in the 16th century for one of Lima’s earliest Spanish settlers, the Aliaga Virreynal House is as old as the city itself. In fact, this gorgeous mansion is still occupied by descendants of that original family, as it has been since its founding. Explore this grand historic house to admire its majestic design and to see first-hand how the city’s style has evolved since those early colonial days.
The Aliaga Virreynal House was built in 1535 for Don Jerónimo de Aliaga , one of the first Spanish settlers to arrive in Lima. He was given the land by Francisco Pizarro for his role in the conquest. The house has survived the pressures of time as well as innumerable natural disasters and it may be the oldest house in the Southern Hemisphere that has been continuously inhabited by a single family. This proud heritage is keenly displayed in the Aliaga Virreynal House’s grand design and elaborate decoration.
Learn about Lima’s early history by taking a walk through the extravagant rooms of the house, which has been made open for public viewing from morning until late afternoon throughout the week. As you progress, you will also get a sense for the way that architecture and décor have changed over time in Lima. A harmonic intermingling of styles from colonial times and later are on show in the house’s fine interiors.
Seek out the chapel of the house, which is marked by a big Gothic doorway and a white cross in the middle. The Aliaga Virreynal House was actually built on the top of an ancient temple named The Huaca, now hidden from view by the mansion itself.
The Aliaga Virreynal House is located near central Lima, just to the south of the Rímac River. The house is easily accessible by using the Jirón de la Union bus station right next door. Entry costs a small fee, and tours can be booked online at the official website for the house.
