Pueblo Libre | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Coat of arms | |
 Location in Lima Province | |
| Coordinates:12°4′13″S77°03′45″W / 12.07028°S 77.06250°W /-12.07028; -77.06250 | |
| Country |  Peru |
| Department | Lima |
| Province | Lima |
| Created | November 5, 1940 |
| Capital | Pueblo Libre |
| Subdivisions | 1 populated centre |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Mónica Rossana Tello López (2023-2026) |
| Area | |
• Total | 4.38 km2 (1.69 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 90 m (300 ft) |
| Population (2023)[1] | |
• Total | 99,591 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (PET) |
| UBIGEO | 150121 |
| Website | muniplibre.gob.pe |
Pueblo Libre (Spanish for "free village"),[2] formerly known asLa Magdalena and commonly known asOld Magdalena (Spanish:Magdalena Vieja) to differentiate it fromMagdalena del Mar District, is adistrict ofLima Province inPeru.
Created by Law 9162 of November 5, 1940,[3] it is a middle-class residential district and has the most parks inLima, also housing several branches of banks, local private universities and major corporations. Its name was granted byJosé de San Martín on April 10, 1822, as a recognition of the patriotism shown by its inhabitants during thePeruvian War of Independence.
Pueblo Libre was founded in 1557 as Magdalena Vieja, before being renamed thePueblo de los Libres in 1821 byJosé de San Martín.[2] The name was given because of the great patriotism and desire for freedom San Martin saw from the people.Simón Bolívar, one of the liberators of South America, lived in Pueblo Libre. His colonial mansion is known today as thePalacio de la Magdalena, which houses theNational Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru, having formerly housed theMagdalena government of Peru during theWar of the Pacific. The Museum, also known by its initials MNAAHP, has collections of artifacts from Peruvian culture. It is one of the most visited museums in Lima and it is located at the heart of the district. Pueblo Libre has a rich history - museums, famous restaurants, and art galleries which are located in this district of Lima.
One of Pueblo Libre's oldest attractions isLa Cruz del Viajero (The Cross of the Traveler). The cross was a symbol of faith and protection the conquistadores brought from Spain.Francisco Pizarro placed the cross in Pueblo Libre; soldiers would pray before going to war or when making a hard distant journey.
Situated not a long walk from Pueblo Libre's pleasant plaza is theMuseo Larco Hererra, which houses the largest collection ofMoche artifacts in the country. This museum is known for having one of the best pre-Columbian exhibits in the world.[citation needed] It offersParacas textiles and a huge collection ofpottery. In the history section of the museum, it documents of the brutality of the Spaniards in the country and of the challenges it has faced since its independence.
On December 15, 2019,two teenage employees died when they were doing cleaning chores in aMcDonald's restaurant in the district, across the street from Plaza San Miguel, a popular shopping centre. The event caused nationwide outrage, and the restaurant was ultimately closed permanently.[4][5][6]
In addition to the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, the Larco Museum, and the Cross of the Traveler, Pueblo Libre features several other notable cultural and historical landmarks:
The Mateo Salado Archaeological Complex, also known as the Huacas of Mateo Salado, is a pre-Columbian ceremonial center attributed to the Ychsma culture (c. 1100–1450 CE). Located near the district’s northern boundary, the site comprises five adobe pyramids and is considered one of Lima’s most significant archaeological remains. Restoration and conservation efforts have been ongoing since the early 2000s. [citation needed]
The Plaza de la Bandera, also called asFlag Square is a monumental square dedicated to the Peruvian flag. It is frequently used for patriotic ceremonies and public commemorations, reflecting the district’s strong ties to Peru’s independence history.
TheSantiago Queirolo Tavern, also known as the Antigua Taberna Queirolo, is one of Lima’s most traditional taverns. Established in the late 19th century, it is renowned for its pisco, wines, and classic Peruvian cuisine. The tavern remains a popular gathering place for locals and visitors, preserving the ambiance of Lima’s historic cantinas.
The district has a total landarea of 4.38 km2. Its administrative center is located 90 meters abovesea level.
According to the Census 2017 by theINEI, the district has 83,323 inhabitants.
