Zela house, Historical museum in Tacna, Peru
The Zela House is a museum in central Tacna that holds archaeological finds from the region. The collection includes ceramics, textiles, wooden objects, and fishing tools that show how people lived before Spanish conquest.
The building played an important role in 1811 when a rebellion for independence took place here, with Francisco Antonio de Zela driving the first proclamation of independence in Peru. This event made Tacna an early center of resistance against Spanish rule.
The house displays regional handiwork and objects that reflect everyday life before Spanish arrival in the area. You can see how local communities made their tools, textiles, and vessels.
The museum is located in the city center on Calle Zela and is easy to reach on foot. Opening hours are limited, so plan a visit in the morning to make sure the doors are open.
The house was a private residence for a long time before being converted into a museum, making its archaeological collection available to the public. This transformation allowed regional finds to be preserved in a place tied to local history.
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