Barranco is a district of Lima, Peru. A seaside district of the city, it is considered a bohemian and artistic centre, being the home and working place of many of Peru's leading artists, musicians, designers and photographers. Its beaches are among the most popular within the worldwide surfing community, and a marina completed in 2008 provides state-of-the-art services for its yacht club.
The name Barranco is Spanish for ravine. Barranco has two ravines; one in the north where Armendariz Avenue is situated between Miraflores District and Barranco, and one near the central part, the Bajada de los Baños.
History
San José de Surco was founded on 26 October 1874, with the Hermitage of Barranco chosen as its capital.[2] The hermitage's location is traditionally considered the origin of the district, with an 18th-century legend claiming that two Indian fishermen who had become lost at sea managed to find their way to the shore through a light cast by a cross located on the site.[3]
In the 19th century, it was a very fashionable beach resort for the local upper-class (also known as the aristocracy), alongside neighbouring Chorrillos.
During the 2010s and 2020s, many high rises and other projects began to be built in Barranco as a result of Urban renewal, replacing a number of the district's traditional buildings.
Politics
List of mayors
Since 2023, the incumbent mayor is Jessica Vargas.
The cliffs of Chorrillos shield Barranco from colder and more humid winds coming from the South. As a result, Barranco has a micro-climate that is warmer and drier than many of the other districts of Lima, which are generally more humid, especially between May and October.
Culture
Architecture
Barranco has many houses in the colonial and Republican style (called "casonas"), flower-filled parks and streets, and appealing beachfront areas. In the north are near Miraflores and Santiago de Surco, there are many flats and high-rises as a result of Urban renewal. Throughout Miguel Grau Avenue, 19th century houses, casonas, and other buildings line the streets.
Landmarks
Large part of the district belongs to its Monumental Zone, in which a number of buildings have been granted UNESCO's blue shield, including Pedro de Osma Museum[es],[6] Manuel Beingolea Municipal Library, and a number of houses (Casa Piselli, Casa Ferrand Zavala, Casa Miro Quesada, Casa De la Puente Wiese, Casa República, and Casa Zegarra).[7]
Bajada de los Baños
The Bajada de los Baños is a walkway which lead from Barranco's municipal park and central business district to the Costa Verde Avenue and the beaches. The walkway was built on a ravine. There is a shanty town built within the ravine.
The bottom of the walkway leads to a viewpoint known as the Mirador Catalina Recavarren, built in late 1898 under the administration of Mayor Pedro Allemant Centeno (1896–1899).[8]
The Puente de los Suspiros (translated to Bridge of Sighs) is a bridge built over the Bajada de los Baños. It was inaugurated on 14 February 1876. On the far side of the bridge is a park with a statue of native singer and composer, Chabuca Granda. There is also a church on the north end of the bridge, Iglesia la Ermita. It was built during the 19th century, and its roof has collapsed partially due to renovation issues.
Municipal Park
Barranco's Municipal Park, also known as the Plaza de Armas, is located in central Barranco, where its municipal headquarters, municipal library, and a church are all located. The park has fountains and restaurants. The park was inaugurated in 1898, during the mayoralty of Pedro Solari (1885–1899).
The park's library, known as Manuel Beingolea Library (Spanish: Biblioteca Manuel Beingolea), was inaugurated on October 1, 1922, under the mayoralty of Enrique de las Casas and during the presidency of Augusto B. Leguía. It was initially inaugurated on the left part of its current premises, moving to Fraternity Park in 1958 and moving to its current building in 1966, forming part of the cultural heritage of Peru.[8]
The park's church, Santísima Cruz, was built to replace the Hermitage of Barranco, damaged during the 1940 Lima earthquake. It was consecrated by Juan Landázuri Ricketts on June 1, 1963, during a ceremony attended by Pedro and Angélica de Osma Gildemeister, who served as its godparents.[8]
Barranco Beach
Barranco's beach is famous during the Summer months, when people bathe in its waters. The beach opened a marina for yachts and other boats and ships in 2008.
Contemporary Art Museum
Barranco is home to an art museum located in the north.
Pedro de Osma Museum
The Pedro de Osma museum is a museum located in Pedro de Osma avenue in the south.
Saenz Peña Avenue
Saenz Peña Avenue is an avenue near the north of the district. It is flanked by an alameda and park. Saenz Peña is home to 19th century architecture and an Obelisk as well as a sculpture of famous cartoon heroine Mafalda overlooking part of the district's Malecón.
Barranco's municipal library
Puente de los Suspiros
Memorial obelisk in Saenz Peña Park
Puente de los Suspiros
Plaza de Armas
A casona in Barranco
Fountain at Barranco's plaza de Armas
Monument to Chabuca Granda
Modernized flats built alongside Costa Verde
Bajada de los Baños
Municipal headquarters
Partial view of the Bajada de los Baños, with the shanty town visible
Iglesia la Ermita
High rises under construction in 2022
Barranco in 1943
Pedro de Osma museum
Transport
The district's Pedro de Osma Avenue is serviced by a scenic tramway route, once part of the broader system that once serviced the whole city and its surroundings. Francisco Bolognesi Avenue is serviced by a route of the Metropolitano bus system.
↑ Sánchez Campos, Elvis (2004). Estudio de renovación urbana de atractivos turísticos en el distrito de Barranco (in Spanish). Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería. p.49.
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