Pueblo Libre

Infobox District Peru


images_size =
image_caption = Main Square in Pueblo Libre.
cofarms = COA Pueblo Libre District in Lima Province.png

region =
province = Lima
district = Pueblo Libre
founded = 1821
capital = Pueblo Libre
pop = 71.892
density = 16,413.7
area = 4.38
elevation = 90
hamlets = 1 populated center
web = www.muniplibre.gob.pe
mayor = Rafael Gaston Tadeo Milagros Santos Normand
ubigeo = 150121

Pueblo Libre is a district of the Lima Province in Peru and one of the districts that comprise the city of Lima. Its name, which means "Free Town" or "Free People", was granted by José de San Martín on April 10, 1822 as a recognition of the patriotism shown by its inhabitants during the Peruvian War of Independence. The district was created by law 9162 on November 5, 1940. [Alberto Tauro del Pino, "Enciclopedia Ilustrada del Perú", vol. XIII, p. 2133.] The current mayor of Pueblo Libre is Rafael Santos and the district's postal code is 21.

Background and Tourist Attraction

Pueblo Libre was founded in 1557 as Magdalena Vieja, before being renamed "Free Town" (Peublo Libre in Spanish) in 1821 by Jose de San Martin. The name was given because of the great patriotism and desire for freedom San Martin saw from the people. Simon Bolivar, a liberator from South America, lived in Pueblo Libre. His colonial mansion is known today as the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia Peru (The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru) which has collections of artefacts from Peruvian culture. Pueblo Libre has a rich history - museums, famous restaurants, and art galleries which are located in this providence.

One of Pueblo Libre's oldest attractions is La 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.

Pueblo Libre is not short of places to eat great Creole food. One restaurant, El Bolivariano, is popular among local families and famous for its weekend buffets, while the historic Antigua Taberna Queirolo, owned by the Santiago Queirolo pisco makers, serves one of the best authentic food and wine in Lima.

Situated not a long walk from Pueblo Libre's pleasant plaza is the Museo Rafael Larco Hererra, which houses the largest collection of Moche artefacts in the country. But perhaps the most visited museum in Lima is the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia Peru, located at the heart of Pueblo Libre. This museum is known for having one of the best pre-Columbian exhibits in the world. It offers incredible Paracas textiles and a huge selection of pottery. 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.

Pueblo Libre is a middle-class residential community and has the most parks in Lima.

Geography

The district has a total land area of 4.38 km². Its administrative center is located 90 meters above sea level.

;Boundaries
* North: Lima District and Breña
* East: Jesús María
* South: Magdalena del Mar
* West: San Miguel

Demographics

According to the 2005 census by the INEI, the district has 71,892 inhabitants, a population density of 16,413.7 persons/km² and 19,792 households.

References