Historic Centre of Callao
The Historic Centre of Callao is the historic city centre of the Peruvian city of Callao, located west of the country's capital, Lima. The site was included within the larger area declared a Monumental Zone by the Peruvian government in 1972, which was expanded in 1990 to include part of Chucuito neighbourhood.
History
The city was founded by the Spanish in 1537, two years after the foundation of Lima. During the Peruvian War of Independence, its strategic location made it the target of a number of blockades and sieges. It was first successfully blockaded by José de San Martín's naval forces in 1821, followed by a pro-royalist uprising in 1824 which led to a two-year siege of Real Felipe Fortress, where the aforementioned troops had established themselves until their capitulation in 1826, ending the Spanish Empire's presence in South America. In 1838, during the War of the Confederation, it was again besieged by the United Restoration Army—made up of Chileans and Peruvian dissidents who opposed the existence of the Peru–Bolivian Confederation—whose smaller numbers forced them to retreat with the advance of the Confederate Army into Lima. It was the site of the 1866 battle between Peru and Spain during the Chincha Islands War, where Spain was defeated.The site was included within the larger area declared a Monumental Zone by the Peruvian government in 1972, limited by Roca, Adolfo King, Huancavelica, Manco Cápac, Paraguay, Pedro Ruiz, Estados Unidos and Gamarra streets, as well as Dos de Mayo, Sáenz Peña and Buenos Aires avenues. It was expanded in 1990 to include part of Chucuito neighbourhood, gaining a border with La Punta District. In 2000, the mainland of La Punta was also declared a Monumental Zone separate from that of Callao.
The neighbourhood of Chucuito traditionally served as the home of Spanish and Italian fishermen and their families since the 18th century, and is currently known for its colourful façades.