Castle of Chancay, Palace in Chancay, Peru

The Castle of Chancay is a sprawling compound with multiple floors, tall towers, and wide views over the Pacific Ocean. Inside the walls are halls with vaulted ceilings, stone staircases, balconies, and courtyards that recall European fortresses.

Consuelo Amat y León, great-granddaughter of Viceroy Manuel de Amat y Juniet, began the castle in 1922 with architect León Rolando; after her husband Rómulo Boggio Klauer died in 1924, she built it from 1925 to 1935 as a cliff-edge home in his memory. Her grandson Juan Barreto Boggio later restored it following her plans.

The castle is also called Castillo de los Boggio, after the family that built it. Consuelo Amat y León, great-granddaughter of Viceroy Manuel de Amat y Juniet, drew on her years in Europe, where she also wrote poetry, for its design. Legends grew up around the building during its long abandonment.

The castle is open daily from morning to late afternoon and sits along the coastal road north of Lima. The compound includes multiple levels with stairs, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

The castle stands near the spot where the Chilean ship Covadonga sank, and local legends grew up around it during its decades of abandonment. Its scale is recorded as 2,200 metres of extension, with ten salons, 250 rooms, 12 terraces and 4 turrets.