La Ruta de los Murales with Lisy Kuon Photo Credit: World Monuments Fund In our view, artistic gems shine brighter with the illuminating presence of a true passionate specialist by your side. We uniquely work with some of the leading experts in the fields of archaeology, art and culture in South America including Elizabeth 'Lisy' Kuon, a charming and fascinating Cuzco-born specialist in Colonial art and art history. With Lisy's help we are introducing a new exciting trip day trip south-east of Cuzco to visit the unassuming, quiet villages of Huaro, Andahuaylillas and Oropesa whose humble churches unexpectedly house mesmerizing and spectacular frescoes and murals. The seventeenth century church at Andahuaylillas, some 41 kms from Cuzco, is known as the 'Sistine Chapel of America', with its huge Cusqueña canvasses decorating the upper walls, unusual murals and ceiling painted with Spanish flowers. The mural, deemed the most important in all the colonial churches in the Cuzco region by the World Monuments Fund*, was decorated by Don Luis de Riaño in 1629, inspired by the humanist teachings of local priest, Don Juan Perez de Bocanegra. Later, between 1675 and 1699, a similarly inspiring church was built in nearby village Huaro. Detailed with mural paintings and polychrome sculptures in a style that symbolizes the coming together of European and indigenous schools at this time. Located a short distance from Cuzco, this unique artwork brought to life by a true specialist like Lisy, perfectly illustrates the richness of art found in even the most humble of locations in the extraordinary country of Peru. Please contact us to book a visit or for more information. * The World Monuments Fund funded the restoration of Huaro Church. Andahuaylillas Church is currently on the 2008 World Monuments Watch List.
La Ruta de los Murales with Lisy Kuon Photo Credit: World Monuments Fund In our view, artistic gems shine brighter with the illuminating presence of a true passionate specialist by your side. We uniquely work with some of the leading experts in the fields of archaeology, art and culture…
This month we are celebrating! The restoration of Casa Prado, a dilapidated 17th Century house of major historic, architectural and artistic importance in the centre of Lima, has been given a significant boost by being named, as part of the Lima entry, as one of the top 100 endangered sites 2008 by the World Monuments Fund, more commonly known as the “World Monuments Watch”. Casa Prado Lima The nomination of Casa Prado has been a labour of love for my associates and I for the past two years. The attraction was immediate – Casa Prado has such an incredibly unique history and architecture that it desperately needs to be saved. Built in 1690 using a fascinating amalgamation of European design, indigenous styles and materials, Casa Prado was the main residence of one of the most influential family dynasties in Peruvian history for over two hundred years, and only ceased being a private residence one year ago. The Prado family spawned two Presidents of Peru, each of whom served two terms – Mariano Ignacio Prado (1865-1868 and 1876-1879), and Manuel Prado Ugarteche (1939-1945 and 1956-1962). The family was also renowned for military bravery and heroism in the 19 th Century, with two national heroes proclaimed during this time. Originally built with adobe (mud brick), the house became a showcase of secular Peruvian architecture as it was enriched over the centuries. Today, it boasts many original fittings, furnishings and artwork including leather, paper and fabric wall-coverings, silver and crystal chandeliers and original Spanish and Peruvian wall and floor tiles. The riches extend beyond the structure and furnishings as the house is host to an incredible Collection of decorative art pieces and furniture from many different periods and styles. This Collection also contains over 100 paintings principally from the Vice-royal and Republican times.
This month we are celebrating! The restoration of Casa Prado, a dilapidated 17th Century house of major historic, architectural and artistic importance in the centre of Lima, has been given a significant boost by being named, as part of the Lima entry, as one of the top 100 endangered sites…
