Three Peruvian cities have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, those that have maintained their colonial heritage despite the passage of time and natural disasters.
1. Arequipa
Arequipa has an interesting historic center, one of the best preserved in the country and one where colonial relics can be found on every street, from its interior courtyards with gardens to its balconies and small squares. Founded on the 15th of August 1540 at the foot of the Misti volcano, it was built from sillar. The architectural style of the religious buildings in its historic center have local and European echoes.
2. Cusco
Cusco is another Peruvian city with colonial-style buildings intermingled with ancient vestiges of the Inca Empire. The Main Square is dominated by the cathedral and the El Triunfo, Sagrada Familia and Jesuit churches. It is lined by stone colonnades topped by suggestive balconies.
3. Lima
Lima, the coastal capital, has kept its old town houses and other buildings open to the public. From public spaces such as the Main Square to churches like the cathedral and San Francisco, as well as palaces like Torre Tagle and the Casa de Aliaga.
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