The best time to visit the Governmental Palace is weekdays at noon, when you can watch soldiers in red-and-blue uniforms conduct an elaborate changing of the guard. (It's not Buckingham Palace, but it's impressive.) Built on the site where Francisco Pizarro was murdered in 1541, the Palacio de Gobierno was completed in 1938. The neobaroque palace is the official residence of the president. At this writing the palace had suspended tours for security reasons. Call ahead to see if tours have been resumed.
Reviewed by jwinhsv from Alabama on 3/31/09
I've watched the changing of the guard repeatedly with visiting friends, and it's pretty special for Lima, but not much compared to what you'd find elsewhere. Most American high schools have better bands, and it's a good place to get your pocket picked while you're busy watching.
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