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Casa Goyeneche

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LenR
LenR
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4 out of 5
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Casa Goyeneche & Palace Torre Tagle

  • June 30, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Casa Goyeneche & Palace Torre Tagle

These two buildings are outstanding examples of Spanish colonial architecture which fortunately have been preserved in excellent condition. We were very impressed by both. They should be a ‘must’ on every visitors list of things to see in Lima.

The Casa Torre Tagle is one of the oldest and most accomplished expressions of Spanish colonial building, anywhere. It is named after the Marquis Torre Tagle, a former treasurer of the Spanish Armada. Built in 1735, this is one of the last examples of Baroque design found in the Americas, with imperial staircases, ballrooms and tiling that alludes to the influence of the earlier Moroccan conquest of Spain. The coat of arms of the original owner is still visible above the door. A gilded, 16th-century carriage is also on display.


The very ornate balconies and stone carvings on the outside of the building evoke all the grandiose presumption of the Spanish empire and are authentic Lima architectural Jewels. As headquarters for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, public access is limited to the courtyards. It is nevertheless something worth seeing.


Across the street from the Casa Torre Tagle, is the Casa Goyeneche, also known as the Casa Rada, constructed 40 years later. the Goyeneche palace is built in white sillar, as most other important buildings in the downtown area. The traditional Colonial style of the building translates into ample courtyards, arched ceilings, and typical doors and windows. The mansion is home to an interesting collection of paintings from the Cusco and Arequipa Schools, and to some sculptures from the Spanish Granada School of the seventeenth century.

These two buildings provide a striking opportunity to observe the shift from early 18th-century Baroque to the late-18th century, somewhat sparer, style of Rococo. By any standard, however, the Casa Goveneche’s carefully carved balconies are models of elegance. The building is now owned by Peru’s Banco de Crédito. It can be visited Monday through Friday, from 9.15am to 3pm.

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