Lima, "City of Kings"

The top two rows of photos are the "Casa de Aliaga," built in 1535.   It is furnished entirely in colonial style and is still owned by a family that can trace its ancestry to Geronimo de Aliaga.

Casa de Aliaga   Jirón De La Unión 224 Jr. Trujilllo   Lima, Peru Casa de Aliaga, or the Aliaga Home, is a fascinating home and museum.   Jerónimo de Aliaga was one of Francisco Pizarro’s most trusted lieutenants during the exploration and conquest of Peru, and he was rewarded in 1535 with a huaca, or Indian temple, which he converted into a home.  In places, the original stonework is still visible.  The home has since remained in the Aliaga family for an astonishing 17 generations and is the oldest home (continuously lived in), in the Americas.  Today it is a restored colonial home, and features a series of rooms that represent life in Lima in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Casa de Aliaga is not open to the public: all visits must be arranged beforehand through Lima tours.  www.casadealiaga.com

Rows two, three and four are the great Cathedral which was begun in 1746.   Due to earthquake damage, much of the structure has been rebuilt.   It epitomizes elegance and grace.