Government Palace, Presidential palace on Plaza Mayor, Lima, Peru
The Government Palace stands on the north side of Plaza Mayor and presents a facade with arches, columns, and balconies in the style of French baroque. The complex includes several courtyards and formal rooms behind a white exterior with stone details.
Francisco Pizarro ordered a residence built on this site in 1535, which later became the official home of the viceroys. The current appearance took shape between 1926 and 1938 through a complete reconstruction directed by French and Polish architects.
The ornate interiors show how the palace uses French decorative traditions to create a formal setting for state receptions. Visitors notice the blend of European design ideas with the building's purpose as the center of executive power.
The guard changes daily around midday in front of the main entrance and offers an opportunity for close photographs. Some interior rooms open on selected days for guided tours that require advance reservation.
Before construction of the palace, this site held a religious place of the precolonial population, a sacred spot of the region's last ruler. Archaeologists found remains of these older structures beneath the current foundations during various renovation works.
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