Casa de Osambela facts for kids
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The Casa de Osambela, also known as the Casa de Oquendo, is a very old and beautiful building in Lima, Peru. It was built a long time ago, during Peru's colonial period. This grand house stands in the historic center of Lima. It is one of the biggest mansions there. People often notice its wide front and amazing balconies.
The house was built between 1803 and 1805. It mixes different styles from that time.
Contents
History of the Casa de Osambela
The land where the Casa de Osambela stands used to belong to the Santo Domingo Church. After a big earthquake in 1746, parts of the church were ruined. To pay for repairs, the church sold some land.
Who Built the House?
A rich Spanish man named Martín de Osambela bought the land. He was a shipbuilder, banker, and merchant. He was also a military officer. Osambela bought the ruined part of the church's old training center.
Martín de Osambela was quite old when he married Mariana de Ureta y Bermúdez. They had five children together.
A Famous Guest
In 1821, the famous liberator, Don José de San Martín, came to Lima. He was the leader who helped Peru become independent. Osambela offered his house for a big party that San Martín hosted. After Peru's independence was declared, San Martín even stayed in the house for a while.
New Owners and a New Name
After Martín de Osambela died, his family had to rent out parts of the house. This helped them earn money to live. In 1854, the house was sold to José de la Asunción Oquendo. He was a very important person. Because of him, people started calling the house the Casa de Oquendo. This is why it has two names today.
The last owner from the Oquendo family was María Rebeca de Oquendo. When she passed away in 1941, the house became property of the Lima Savings Bank.
A National Monument
In 1963, the Casa de Osambela was declared a National Monument. This means it is a very important historical building. Later, it became the main office for Peru's national tourism company.
Since 1979, the house has been a cultural center. It hosts different cultural groups and events. It was carefully restored between 1982 and 1985. Workers made sure to keep its original indigo blue color. Today, it is home to the Peruvian Academy of Language. It also hosts the regional office for the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture.
The Beautiful Facade
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The front of the Casa de Osambela is truly special. It shows off two main styles: Neoclassical and Rococo. You can see five large balconies on the front. These balconies are decorated with beautiful garlands.
At the very top of the house, there is a special lookout point. It is covered by a small dome. This dome has a unique Mudéjar shape. An architect named Héctor Velarde Bergmann once said that from this lookout, the first owner, Osambela, might have watched ships arriving in Callao.
Inside the House
The inside of the Casa de Osambela is also very interesting. Its design mixes different styles, with a strong Rococo influence in its decorations.
Unique Layout
The Casa de Osambela is different from many other old houses in Lima. Most colonial houses had rooms that went deep into the property. But in this house, the rooms are built parallel to the street. This is why its front is so wide and can fit five large balconies.
Also, the courtyards are arranged in a different way than usual. This makes the house stand out from other buildings from the colonial time.
Four Levels and a Lookout
Another special thing about the house is that it has four levels. Most houses back then only had two. The fourth level is the octagonal lookout point. Building such a tall structure was actually not allowed at the time. This was because of rules to protect against earthquakes.
The main courtyard inside the house is very grand and simple. A magnificent staircase leads up to the second floor. There is also a second, smaller courtyard. It looks even older, perhaps from the 1700s.
Gallery
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Rococo Casa de Osambela
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Casa de Osambela from Jirón Cailloma
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See also
In Spanish: Casa de Osambela para niños
- List of buildings in Lima
- Peruvian colonial architecture
- Balconies of Lima
