Lima, Ciudad Virreynal
Lima, the see of the Conquistadors
The city of Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535 and was considered the Viceroyalty capital of South America for almost three centuries. After Pizarro decided to make Lima the new capital of their Spanish government, several Hispanic authorities established their residence within the city. Its official name was "City of the Kings", but later was simply recognized as Lima.
The balcony, which is a distinctive architectural element found on buildings constructed during the Colonial Lima period, was brought by the Spanish Conquistadors. It reflects the Arabic-Moorish influence.
Despite its small area, this province has become a major industrial and economic powerhouse of the Peruvian economy. It contains almost one-third of country's population and much of its gross domestic product.