Casa del Oidor in Lima

Only little is known about this house standing at the north-east corner of the Plaza Mayor. It dates back to the end of the 17th century and is one of the oldest mansions in Lima. It got its name ‘Casa del Oidor’ (oidor means in Spanish something like magistrate or ‘the one that hears / listens’) because it is speculated that in Colonial times this decent looking but historical valuable building housed the magistrates from the highest courts (the Audencia) and the so called ‘Oidors’ listened to the complaints from the public...

Unfortunately the building is not open to visitors, but the amazing balconies, from which the ‘Doñas’ of Lima might have watched what was going on at Plaza Mayor (without being seen on the closed balconies), are worth visiting.

Read more... (Overview of Historical Buildings in Lima)