Would you like to discover how wealthy families lived during Colonial times?
Join me on a wonderful tour through the Casa de Aliaga, a gem that harmonizes architecture, art and history and that I discovered thanks to a fantastic Google Maps recommendation
For the unaware tourist, this house can go totally unnoticed, since it is “camouflaged” behind an immense gate that hides its façade. In fact, while I was following the instructions on my cell phone, I passed in front of the house several times without being able to see it.
Just when I was about to give up, a little door magically opened and I managed to spot the imposing staircase, which I recognized from other Local Guides pictures.
Fortune was on my side and I arrived just in time to join an exclusive guided tour for a small group of tourists.
While doors outside, the city of Lima continues to evolve with the passing of days, inside, suspended in time, the Casa de Aliaga exhibits itself imposing.
Mixture of styles and exponent of a viceroyal legacy, this residence stoically resists the passage of time thanks to the careful care of its owners: the Aliaga family. This illustrious family has inhabited the property uninterruptedly since its construction more than 484 years ago.
16 generations of Aliagas have lived and protected this beautiful family residence.
A bit of history…
When Francisco Pizarro founded Lima on January 18, 1535, he was accompanied by a group of companions and close friends. Immediately after founding the city, he distributed the lots adjacent to the Government Palace among his friends.
This parcel was given to his friend Jerónimo de Aliaga to build a house for his family, which was originally from Segovia, Spain.
The house began to be built at that time and over the years has been modified, altered, and has even suffered the impacts of several earthquakes.
What can be observed today, is a compendium of all that historical baggage.
While there are other families in Peru and Latin America who have lived in the same house or hacienda for many years, none have done so for 16 generations and uninterruptedly since 1535. For this reason, the house of Aliaga is considered the oldest family residence in the Americas.
Let’s take a look at this beauty!
The golden hall-a major sample of the neo-baroque style- is linked to the economic bonanza brought by the guano. It houses Louis XVI-style furniture imported from Europe, sumptuous mirrors, oriental elements and family paintings.
A heater located in the center of the room looks imposing, not in vain was the winner of the 1st prize of the Design Fair in Paris
In the inner courtyard, with a conserved Sevillian decoration, the splendid paintings of the Cuzco school are exhibited, serving as the perfect frame for the freshest and most free space of the house.
The family chapel, one of the first religious buildings in Lima still preserves an ivory crucifix from the 17th century and the sculpture of the popular child Manuelito-a must-have in the houses of the time during the Christmas holidays. To this day the chapel continues to be used for baptisms, communions, weddings and even family funerals. According to family tradition, Santa Rosa herself would have frequented the precinct as her family was a close friend of the Aliaga family.
The magnificent dining room stands out for its coffered ceiling from the late nineteenth century. All the wood used in its manufacture came from Central America, mostly from Panama and Nicaragua, while the construction was in charge of local artisans.
Currently, it can be booked for private events.
Today, due to its historical and cultural importance, the family has decided to open the house to tourism.
With the value of the entrance ticket, you are contributing to its conservation.
And if you are as lucky enough, you may be welcomed by the owner of the house himself: Don Gonzalo de Aliaga.
I hope you have enjoyed this tour through the House of Aliaga and I highly recommend you to visit this magnificent treasure on your next visit to Lima.
If you’ve already visited La Casa de Aliaga, I’d love to hear from you and see the beautiful photos and videos you’ve taken.
I look forward to your comments!
Love,
Carolina
Muchísimas gracias por tus palabras! Son mis primeros posts y estoy esforzandome sl máximo por mejorar. Te mando un gran abrazo! 
