Callao is a great place to learn about important aspects of Peru’s history. Here’s a guide for where to go and reasons why you should make a visit instead of just passing through the Jorge Chavez International Airport.
What makes Callao unique
The constitutional municipality of Callao is 15 kilometers from the center of Lima. Its location and port, one of the most important in America, make this a commercial town. It was once a strategic place for defending the viceroyalty. After that, the port played an important role in the country’s movement towards independence, and it also played a role the fight against pirates.
When Peru’s capital was moved from Jauja to Lima during the Spanish Conquest, Callao became an important port and commercial center. It was actually one of the most important ports during the viceregal period. Urban architecture has been enriched by successive waves of immigrants to Peru: Japanese, Germans, Chinese and Italians. You can see this influence in the diverse styles of construction. Later, different neighborhoods were built, but it is in its seaside resort you can find Callao’s greatest historical and architectural wealth.
Contemporary Callao:
Aside from being a commercial port, it is also a fishing port, and an attractive destination for water sports enthusiasts, lovers of seafood, and those seeking both new and traditional destinations within Lima.
Monumental Callao, what is now known as a cultural and artistic hub in the area, started off with a project that restored an old colonial building in Callao’s historic city center. Watch the video to experience the area.
Archaeological sites
The area’s archaeological areas extend beyond Callao itself, to parts of the neighborhoods Ventanilla and San Martin de Porres. Before it grew into a booming city, the area was a natural desert with seasonal vegetation called ‘lomas’ which covered the summits of the hills.
The first human inhabitants lived here ten thousand years ago, with Chivatero in the District of Ventanilla being the main population center. Middens and heaps of discarded shells remain from this era. These groups occupied the seashore and islands off the coast. Cemeteries have also been found on San Lorenzo Island.
Complejo El Paraíso
Built four thousand years old, the complex consists of various burial mounds or huacas, such as El
Paraiso or Pampa de Los Perros. It is on the municipal boundary between Ventanilla and San Martin de Porres Districts.
Cerro Culebras
Dating from the Lima Culture (200 to 750 A.D.), it covers 35 hectares and contains a polychromatic mural 28 meters long.
Tambo Cerro Respiro
Located on the old Oquendo Estate, it dates back to the Colli period, which spanned until the arrival of the Inca Empire.
Important sights to check out
The Cathedral
Built by Antonio Dañino in 1833. It was built in the Neoclassical style, with a single nave. The niches on its façade contain statues of St. Simon and St. Jude Thaddeus.
Location: Jr. Constitucion 387 Callao.
Opening times: when Mass is being said.
Cost: free of charge.
More information: visit their website
Virgen del Carmen de la Legua
In the 17th Century, an image of Our Lady of Carmel was sent from Spain to Peru. It was going to be taken to the center of Lima, but the donkey carrying it stopped, according to tradition, in the middle of the trip and refused to move a step further. So a chapel was built to house this image. Years later the current Church was built on the site of the chapel. The image has many devotees in Callao.
Location: Junction of Faucett and Colonial Avenues.
Opening times: when Mass is being said.
Cost: free of charge.
More information: visit their website
Inmaculada Conception (The Lighthouse Church)
This Church was built at the end of the 19th Century and it has two towers, an unusual feature among Callao’s churches, due to the effects of earthquakes. Its oil paintings and image of Our Lord of Consolation are noteworthy.
Location: Jr. Uruguay 340.
Opening times: when Mass is being said.
Cost: free of charge.
More information: visit their website
San Juan Bosco
Also built at the end of the 19th Century, this Church has three naves and a fine façade with Italian style.
Location: Calle Garcia Calderon 348.
Opening times: when Mass is being said.
Cost: free of charge.
Casa Ronald
Named after its proprietor Guillermo Ronald, this important English-style building was finished in 1928 and has recently been restored.
Location: Corner of Constitucion and Independencia.
Opening times: free.
Cost: free of charge.
Contact: visit their website
Public squares
Miguel Grau
The main square of the district. Next to the quay and Paseo Darsena. The meeting point for trips to the Palomino Islands.
Plaza de Armas de la Punta
Site of the municipality and Malecon Pardo. Popular with Callao residents.
Location: Corner of Bolognesi and Medina.
Museums
Real Filipe
Exhibition of uniforms, arms, and equipment used by the Peruvian Army. The fortress is one of the best examples of military architecture in South America.
Location: Plaza de la Independencia.
Opening times: from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: foreigners 12 soles, Peruvian adults: 6 soles and children 2 soles.
Naval
Arms, historic documents, paintings, photographs and many other exhibits on the history of the Peruvian Navy.
The museum has thematic galleries for the Amazon, the Andean plateau and the Antarctic, among others. It is the most comprehensive military museum in the country.
Location: Av. Jorge Chavez 123. Historic Centre.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Adults 3 soles and children 2 soles.
More information: visit their website
San Jose
This Church was built in Bellavista by Viceroy Manso de Velasco, and served for many years as Callao’s cathedral.
Location: Jr. Bolognesi 440, Bellavista, Callao
Opening times: when Mass is being said.
Cost: free of charge.
Cover photo: El Comercio
This article has been updated from its original publication on November 27, 2018
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