Write a comment
Lima's old train station which houses today the Casa de la Literatura

House of the Peruvian Literature

Casa de la Literatura Peruana

Address
Jr. Ancash 207
District
  • City Center
City (Peru)
Lima
Phone Number
(+511) 426-2573

The building was originally Lima's main train station (Estacion de Desamparados - Desamparados Train Station) and opened in 1912. Situated behind the Presidential Palace at the River Rimac it was a symbol of the progress and development of the city in the beginning of the 20th century. At this time the capital of Peru was completely redesigned.

The model for the "new" Lima was Paris (in Latin America assumed to be the cultural capital of the world). Many old Colonial buildings had to make way for this modernization of the City Center; as well the orphanage and church that was standing where today we find the Estacion Desamparados and which at least gave the train station its name. The building blends in nicely with the old city while at the same time reflecting the modernity of this era.

The impressive facade is surely neoclassical. The stations interior is dominated by iron structures and lots of glass. At the beginning of the 20th century "Desamparados" was among other destinations the starting point for one of the world's great railway journeys: the trip from Lima to Huancayo in the central Andes. Unfortunately passenger services were terminated a long time ago. But since the beginning of 2007 the route has been re-established. About once a month you can make this amazing and exciting tour.

In October 2009 the building became a new purpose and was renamed to "Casa de la Literatura Peruana" (House of the Peruvian Literature). Today it houses a Cultural Center with temporary art exhibitions and an extensive library. In 13 rooms you are introduced to all important Peruvian literary styles and authors.

Map

Swap Start/End
Say something here...
characters left
or post as a guest
All comments MUST be in English and will be moderated before publishing.
They will appear below within 24 hours.
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.

Be the first to comment.

Peru Newsflash

Peru Event Calendar

Latest Content...

Latest Video

Maria Reiche - Memories

Maria Reiche - Memories

Submitted by: Tintin
05 December 2021

Long Reads...

  • Peruvian Archaeology

    The Mystery of the Nazca Lines in Peru

    In the 1920s, when people first flew across southern Peru, they made an astonishing discovery. Stretching below them,…
  • Peruvian Personalities & Founders

    Francisco Pizarro González (1474-1541)

    Francisco Pizarro, a peasant from Spain, was one of the least well-equipped conquerors in history. However, in the name…
  • Peruvian Archaeology

    The colorful Fabrics and Textiles of Peru

    Europe’s first knowledge of Peruvian textiles was acquired following the Spanish invasion of Peru in 1532, when the…
  • Peruvian Legends, Myths & Tales

    The Jeweled Frog and the Condor

    By a quiet pond, at the side of a cloud-topped mountain in Peru, lived a small green frog and his large green family.…
  • Peru Info

    Peruvian Economy

    The Peruvian economy is an emerging, social market economy highly dependent on foreign trade and classified as an upper…