If you’re looking for a great place within Lima to spend some time exploring, you cannot go wrong by visiting Barranco. This part of Lima, renowned for its artsy and bohemian vibes, is filled with opportunities for connecting with Lima’s rich culture and history.
Why Barranco?
A district of poets and writers, singers and celebration, Barranco is one of the most famous parts of Lima, a cultural district where modernity and tradition exist side by side.
Top public places for connecting with Barranco’s culture and history
Municipal park
The district’s enchantingly beautiful central park is surrounded by old houses, the library, the town hall, and the Santisima Cruz church. In the middle of this space is a statue of a danaide on a lake, surrounded by other marble sculptures. The Barberini candelabrum is nearby, together with angels sculpted in Carrara marble. In the middle is a type of pergola used for plays, exhibitions, concerts and other cultural activities.
Puente de Los Suspiros
This emblematic and popular bridge was built in 1876 in order to join the two sides of the gully and permit access between Ayacucho and La Ermita streets. It has been restored, and its rustic beauty and romance have inspired composers and writers such as Chabuca Granda, who captured its magic in the waltz El Puente de los Suspiros in 1960.
La Ermita
This small chapel used by fishermen and travelers was built from adobe and quincha, and was erected in the middle of the 18th Century. It was built by a baker called Caicedo, whose wife is said to have been cured by the holy cross which is located there. You can reach ut by crossing the Puente de Los Suspiros.
The promenade
Running the length of Barranco is a quiet and peaceful promenade, with small parks and shared spaces, such as Paseo Saenz Peña. You often see people strolling along, perhaps resting in its alcoves, and it also has an impressive view of the sea.
Bajada de Los Baños
This is the road that leads to the beach if you are walking from Barranco. It is cobbled and still preserves the old houses —some now restored— built at the beginning of the 20th Century as beach houses.
Top Galleries and museums in Barranco
Gallery of Lucia de la Puente
What: A gallery featuring exhibitions of contemporary art.
Where: Paseo Saenz Peña 206-A, Barranco.
Telephone: 477-9740.
Museum of Lima’s Contemporary Art
What: A permanent exhibition by contemporary artists and traveling exhibitions both Peruvian and foreign.
Location: Av. Miguel Grau 1511, Barranco.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Juan Parra del Riego Cultural Center
What: A heater that often features exhibitions.
Where: Av. Pedro de Osma 135, Barranco.
Hours: Every day: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
La Noche
What: A classic venue for concerts, exhibitions, and plays.
Where: Pasaje Sanchez Carrion 199, Barranco
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7 p.m.-3 a.m.
La Libre
What: A bookshop that opened just over a year ago and encourages cultural interchange with alternative titles and unusual editions.
Where: Av. San Martin 144, Barranco.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 12 noon-9 p.m.
Other interesting spaces in Barranco worth checking out
Barranco is full of cultural spaces and museums. Besides the above top recommendations within Barranco, here are other smaller spaces that are also worth visiting.
Gallery 80M2
What: An art gallery that features the work of national and international artists
Where: Malecon Pazos 253, Barranco.
Contact: Visit their website
Centro Colich
What: A cultural space focused on promoting emerging artists
Where: Jr. Colina 110, Barranco.
Contact: Visit their facebook page
Delbarrio Gallary
What: A Gallery that features contemporary art from Lima
Where: Bernardino Cruz 148, Chorrillos.
Contact: visit their facbook page
Mate-Museo Mario Testino
What: A non-profit cultural center with a mission of preserving and promoting Lima’s cultural heritage.
Where: Av. Pedro de Osma 409, Barranco.
Contact: Visit their website
Pedro de Osma Museum
What: A museum featuring the work of artist Pedro de Osma
Where: Av. Pedro de Osma 421, Barranco.
Contact: Visit their facebook page
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Credit: Ultimate Journeys Peru
Cover photo: Flickr
