The Peruvian capital is a city of paradox. The urban layout of its historic centre is the most
perfect Cartesian grid in South America yet mass migrations have generated large informal
settlements. Its society lives in a permanent state of commercial frenzy yet it has preserved
the oldest traditions of the continent. And the best-known works of architecture are viceregal
and republican yet pre-Columbian ruins are scattered across the city. This guide contains
over 160 works covering the main styles of architecture in each period as well as the urban
processes that have underpinned the construction of such works the economic activities that
have made them possible and details of their public administration.
