Casa Pinasco, Cultural heritage building in Plaza de Armas, Iquitos, Peru.
Casa Pinasco is a two-story building with Italian architectural features located in the historic center of Iquitos near the main square. It features large windows opening onto the Plaza de Armas and currently houses a restaurant, pastry shop, ice cream parlor, and pharmacy on its ground level.
The building was constructed in the early 1900s as a warehouse for Luis Pinasco & Company, storing European imported goods during the rubber boom. It later served as a cultural institution before eventually returning to use as a commercial space for the Pinasco family.
The building reflects Italian immigration to Iquitos during the rubber boom, when European traders brought their architectural traditions to the Amazon. This blend of styles shows how foreign influences shaped the city's appearance and commercial life.
The building sits directly on the Plaza de Armas, making it easy to find in the heart of Iquitos' old town. The various shops are open during standard business hours, and the exterior architecture is clearly visible from the square.
The building originally functioned as a specialized storage facility for spices and wines imported from Europe, goods that were highly valued in the Amazon region. This particular commercial focus made it a key point for luxury trade during the city's early development as a major trading hub.
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