The District of Ventanilla (Callao Province)

Ventanilla

(Callao Province)

The District Ventanilla
(Municipalidad de Ventanilla)

Av. Pedro Beltrán (Av. Los Alamos) / Calle 11

Postal Code (Zip Code): Callao 6

http://www.muniventanilla.gob.pe (Spanish)

District Size: 73.52 km²

Population: 277895 citizens

Population density: 3780 citizens/km²

Altitude: 55 m (Municipality)

Date of Foundation: 28. Jan 1969

General Info about Ventanilla

Ventanilla is one of six districts that make up the Constitutional Province of Callao. Located north of the province it is the largest district of Callao.

Ventanilla’s first inhabitants were fishermen and peasants living in the valleys of the Rimac and Chillon River. Until the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century various highly advanced cultures inhabited the area. Archaeologist discovered the oldest ‘liticos’ (stone tools) of the Peruvian coast in this area that date back more than 10,000 years. More proof of that are the amazing archaeological complexes of ‘El Paraiso’ and ‘Chivateros’. During colonial and republican times Ventanilla was barely populated.

Only in the 1960s the ‘Cuidad Satélite de Ventanilla’ (Satellite Town of Ventanilla) was established followed shortly afterwards by the ‘Cuidad Naval’ (Naval Town). Soon residential areas and industrial zones arose around. On the 28th of January 1969 Ventanilla was officially established as district of the Constitutional Province of Callao.

Today the district of Ventanilla is characterized by industrial areas and ‘pueblos jovenes’ (shantytowns). But the district has great potential: Amazing beaches wait to be properly developed, an immense number of (un-) discovered archaeological areas wait to be explored and the ‘Humedales de Ventanilla’, an area consisting of natural lagoons and an amazing flora and fauna, waits for responsible visitors who enjoy the beauty of the area.

The crest of the district Ventanilla in Callao

Please click on the Pictures for bigger view...

Places to visit & attractions around Ventanilla

Fortress Real Felipe (Plaza Independencia, Callao)

Callao´s main attraction is the Fortress Real Felipe. Built over 250 years ago to defend the Peruvian coast and the harbour of Callao from attacks of pirates, it is the biggest and most impressive of all fortresses the Spanish crown erected overseas. Inside its walls, hallways and towers a piece of Peruvian history has survived. Since 1984 the fortress houses the museum of the Peruvian army, the ‘Museo Historico Militar Real Felipe’. Take a guided tour and discover another part of the Peruvian past (it takes about 2½ hours).

The Naval Museum – Museo Naval y Maritimo del Peru (Av. Jorge Chávez 123, Plaza Grau, Callao Center)

Located just a few blocks from the Fortress Real Felipe is the Peruvian Naval Museum. The fascinating naval and maritime history of Peru is shown with archaeological testimonies, personal objects of war heroes, ship models, instruments for navigation, photos, paintings, jewelry, sculptures and documents. In the library you will find all kinds of books related to the maritime history. The museum offers an interesting ‘package’: The tour through the museum (1½h to 2h) and a great 30 min. boat trip around Callao harbour. Have fun!

Museo de la Fuerza de Submarinos (Base Naval del Callao, La Punta, Callao)

The museum shows the captivating history of the Peruvian submarines starting in 1912 until today. You can find more info about it on our museums pages.

Museo de la Compañía de Bomberos Italia No. 5 (Alejandro Granda, Block 3, Bellavista, Callao)

The museum of the famous fire brigade Italia No. 5 is located directly in the still operating fire station of the ‘Compañía de Bomberos Italia No. 5’ in Bellavista, Callao. The museum displays objects related to the history of the station, put together with lots of love and dedication. This museum is an absolute must for all enthusiasts. You can find more info about it on our museums pages.

Read more... (Museums in Lima)

Museo Memoria Coronel Leoncio Prado (Colegio Leoncio Prado, Av. Costanera 1545, La Perla, Callao)

The museum, located inside the Military School ‘Leoncio Prado’, is dedicated to Leoncio Prado, a man who fought his lifetime against Spanish oppression. It shows photos, paintings, flags and personal belongings of the national hero Coronel Leoncio Prado. You can find more info about it on our museums pages.

Boat Tour to Callao’s Islands

One of the highlights of a visit to Callao is a boat trip to the islands offshore. Discover the ‘Mysterious Island’ of San Lorenzo, The Island of Death ‘El Frontón’ and the Palomino Islands with their unique wildlife. Boats depart daily in the morning from the piers of La Punta and Callao. You need to book a tour in advance at one of the numerous travel agencies or at the tourist booth of the Municipality of Callao. Depending on the tour you choose, the trips takes around 4 hours.

Plaza Francisco Bolognesi (Av. Saenz Peña, Block 5, Callao)

The Plaza Bolognesi is considered to be the main square in Callao, even if it seems that this honour belongs to Plaza Grau with its historical fortress, the Naval Museum nearby and its closeness to the old downtown Callao. But on the Plaza Bolognesi most for the community important ceremonies and events takes place. In honour of the hero of the famous Battle of Arica, Francisco Bolognesi, this nice square place was named after him and a statue of him built in the middle.

Plaza Jose Galvez (Off Av. Saenz Peña, Block 2 towards the historic city center, Callao)

This square is dedicated to Colonel Jose Galvez, hero of the naval battle of the 2nd of May 1866, who died defending Callao against the Spaniards. The historical houses surrounding the square give it its special charm. Many of them date back to the end of Colonial and Republican times with clearly visible English influence. The old mansions were declared as Historical Monuments by the National Cultural Institute of Peru (INC).

Have Fun...

Sitelinks: