Torre Tagle Palace (Lima)

 administrative building, interesting place

One of the oldest and most accomplished expressions of Spanish colonialism, the Casa Torre Tagle merits a visit. It is named after the Marquis Torre Tagle, a former treasurer of the Spanish Armada. Built in 1735, this is one of the last examples of Baroque design found in the Americas, with imperial staircases, ballrooms and tiling that alludes to the influence of the earlier Moroccan conquest of Spain. A gilded, 16th-century carriage is also on display. The coat of arms itself was designed by the Marquis. It's very ornate balconies and stone carvings on the outside evoke all the grandiose presumption of the Spanish empire. As headquarters for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, public access is limited to the courtyards.