The area where the city of Chiclayo is located has been inhabited by a number of different peoples, which can be traced all the way back to the 15th century. However, it was not until April 15, 1835, that Chiclayo was declared a city by President Felipe Santiago Salaverry.
Salaverry called Chiclayo “Heroic City” in recognition of its citizens in the struggle for independence. Since then, the city has also gained names such as “The Capital of Friendship” and “Pearl of North”. The truth about Chiclayo is not a real gem.
Today, over 600,000 Peruvians live in beautiful Chiclayo.
Chiclayo’s location
Chiclayo is a city located in northwestern Peru. Here, the city serves as the capital of the Lambayeque region. The city is only 13 kilometers from the Pacific coast. The inhabitants’ relationship to the beautiful sea is often seen through works of art around the city.
Experiences in Chiclayo
Sipángravene
Originally, this area was a huge empire with several enthroned temples. Today, only three pyramids remain, but the treasures and history stored here are definitely worth a visit.
Since 1987, archaeologists have made great discoveries in the area. Among other things, as many as twelve royal tombs have been found. The largest of all is considered the tomb of the Prince of Sipán. Unusual offerings were found here in the form of silver, gold, expensive textiles, ceramics and a turquoise gemstone.
The greatest and most astonishing find made in the tomb of the Prince of Sipán was sacrificed human life, which was laid in the tomb to accompany the Prince of Sipán on his journey to another world. The objects that you can see in the Sipángraves are all copies. The originals are on display at the “Museum of the Prince of Sipán”, which is located elsewhere.
At the Sipángraves, however, there is a distinguished museum – “Museo de Sitio Huaca Rajada”. Here is the huge tourist magnet exhibition of tomb no. 14 called “Sacerdote-Guerrero”. This tomb reportedly belonged to the war priest.
The Museum of the Prince of Siphan
For unknown reasons, the museum above the Prince of Sipán is not in the same area as where the tomb of the Prince of Sipán is located. “Museo Tumbas Reales del Señor de Sipán”, as the museum’s Spanish name implies, is shaped like a huge pyramid with several floors.
The pyramid shape is not without thought, but rather a reference to the Moche culture, where many huge temples like this were hoisted. The Museum features several floors, all exhibited with ceramic art, artifacts and precious metals.
A good tip is to start your journey through the museum on the top floor, and then work your way down. Floor by floor, you will be taken through the different stages of the moche culture in chronological order.
Near the museum is a small photo exhibition called “Museo Nacional Brüning”. Hans Heinrich Brüning was a German mechanical engineer who arrived in Chiclayo in the year 1875. He was somewhat fascinated by the Lambayeque culture that prevailed at this time, and therefore decided to stay in the city. Here he documented and saved prehistoric finds in the beautiful city.
Paseo Yortoque
Stepping into the open park Paseo Yortoque is a bit like stepping into a Peruvian adventure. Here, every nook and cranny is filled with breathtaking and not least huge stone sculptures. Each a sculpture reflects a kind of prehistoric culture. In particular, the Inca and Moche culture is widely presented here.
Especially for children, the park is a completely unique experience. The visual in the many beautiful stone sculptures, manages to illuminate and reproduce stories for the Peruvian cultural history at child height. However, remember sun protection and water. There is not much shade to be found in the park here.
History of Chiclayo
We go far back in time to the narrative of Chiclayo’s origins. Even no one can say for sure that the story goes back even further, but from what has been found so far, Chiclayo has its infancy between the 1st and 7th century AD.
Mochica and Lambayeque
Back then, it was the Mochica family that lived here. This people is especially known for their enormous talent in ceramic artifacts. The pottery finds that have been made over time have been decorated with religious themes, people, animals, scenes of ceremonies and myths, all of which reflect the then population’s perception of the world.
Around the year 700 AD. came the Lambayeque family. These are in some circles also known as the sican genus. The history of folklore is divided into three phases: the early stage (years 700-900 AD), the intermediate stage (years 900-1100 AD) and the late stage (years 1100-1350 AD). The Lambayeque family based their culture on knowledge as well as cultural traditions.
The colonial era and the struggle for independence
During colonial times, when the Spaniards conquered Peru, the city was inhabited by two peoples: Cinto and Collique. Both groups donated part of their land to a Franciscan monastery, which still stands and reigns in the city. Slightly atypical of Chiclayo, at that time more natives lived in the city than colonists lived.
During Peru’s war of independence, Chiclayo supported General José de San Martin’s Liberation Army with soldiers, weapons, horses and other necessities. Therefore, Chiclayo had a great influence on Peru’s dependence. Today, Chiclayo is one of Peru’s most important cities.
