Jirón de la Unión

Jirón de la Unión is a pedestrian street that runs through downtown Lima, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings from various periods. The central blocks are closed to vehicles, making it an open walkway that connects major squares in the historic centre.

Francisco Pizarro laid out this street in 1535 when founding Lima, though each block originally had its own name. The street received its unified name in the early 1900s as it grew in importance as a commercial centre.

Lima residents coined the term 'irse a jironear' to describe the practice of strolling here dressed in their best clothes. This tradition reveals how important this street became to the city's social life and daily routines.

The street is best explored on foot, as the central section is car-free and easy to navigate. It is best to visit during the day when shops are open and the street is most active.

Casa Monterrey, Peru's first supermarket chain, opened its inaugural store here in 1954. This opening marked a turning point in how the city shopped and changed retail habits for generations.