Castle of Chancay, Medieval 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.
A Peruvian noblewoman began building this castle in the 1920s as a memorial to her late husband. The work lasted over a decade and combined European building styles with local materials and craftsmanship.
The estate honors the pre-Hispanic culture of the region, whose ceramics and textiles are displayed in a dedicated room. Visitors can try on reproduced armor and have their photos taken in period costumes.
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 grounds feature scaled-down replicas of famous buildings from other countries, including an Eiffel Tower and a Sphinx. Guests who stay overnight can take part in a nighttime treasure hunt through the lit hallways.
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