Jirón Santa Rosa de Lima: A Historical Journey Through Lima's Streets
The streets of Lima are more than just conduits for traffic; they are living archives of the city's colonial and republican evolution. Among these, the road now known as Jirón Santa Rosa de Lima stands as a testament to the city's growth, having been laid by Francisco Pizarro upon the founding of Lima on January 18, 1535.
From its origins as a colonial path to its various name changes and architectural milestones, this street reflects the changing social and political landscape of the Peruvian capital.
Key Facts
- Founded: January 18, 1535, by Francisco Pizarro.
- Former Names: Jirón Ayacucho and Antonio Miró Quesada de la Guerra.
- Current Name: Renamed in honor of Saint Rose of Lima in 2017.
- Notable Landmark: The Edificio Fabbri, completed in 1890.
- Historical Use: Formerly housed the official state printing press.
The Evolution of Urban Nomenclature
Before the standardization of street names, the road was identified by its individual blocks, known as cuadras. Each block carried a unique name based on the landmarks, residents, or businesses located there. In 1862, a new urban nomenclature was adopted, and the road was renamed jirón Ayacucho after the Department of Ayacucho.
The Original Block Names
The diverse nature of early Lima is evident in the descriptive names once given to the street's blocks:
- Block 1: Jesús Nazareno (named after a local chapel).
- Block 2: Núñez (named after resident Dr. Miguel Núñez).
- Block 3: Rifa (named after a raffle establishment).
- Block 4: Botica de San Pedro (a pharmacy operated by the Jesuits).
- Block 5: Aduana.
- Block 6: Santa Rosa de las Monjas (named after a monastery).
- Block 7: Rectora.
- Block 8: Siete Jeringas (named after a curandero—a traditional healer—or its proximity to the Royal Hospital of Saint Andrew).
- Block 9: San Bartolomé (named after a hospital, which later became the Military Hospital).
- Block 10: Huaquilla (named after a huaca, an ancient indigenous monument or sacred site).
- Block 11: Naranjos (named after an orange field).
- Block 13: Ancha/Cinco Esquinas (named for its relative width and its intersection at a point of five corners).
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Architectural and Political Milestones
One of the most significant structures on the street is the Edificio Fabbri, which saw its construction conclude in 1890. The site has a rich history of ownership; during the 17th century, it belonged to the heirs of Pedro Gavilán y González de la Torre, earning it the moniker "Casa de los Gavilanes."
In 1867, the Peruvian State acquired the property to serve as the official printing press, an operation organized by Manuel Atanasio Fuentes.
The street's identity continued to shift in the 20th century. On April 7, 1949, it was renamed in honor of Antonio Miró Quesada de la Guerra. This designation remained in place for nearly seven decades until 2017, when the Municipality of Lima renamed the street in honor of Saint Rose of Lima.
Recent History and Challenges
Despite its historical prestige, the street has faced modern structural challenges. In 2016, a significant incident occurred in the 12th block, where four houses collapsed, impacting 13 families residing in the area.
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Summary of Street Identity
| Period/Date | Name/Identity | Key Association |
|---|---|---|
| 1535 | Original Road | Founded by Francisco Pizarro |
| Pre-1862 | Individual Blocks | Named after local landmarks (e.g., Botica de San Pedro) |
| 1862 | Jirón Ayacucho | Department of Ayacucho |
| 1949 | Antonio Miró Quesada de la Guerra | Ceremony on April 7, 1949 |
| 2017 | Jirón Santa Rosa de Lima | Saint Rose of Lima |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the road that became Jirón Santa Rosa de Lima?
The road was laid by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, during the founding of the city of Lima.
What was the Edificio Fabbri previously known as?
During the 17th century, it was known as the "Casa de los Gavilanes" because it belonged to the heirs of Pedro Gavilán y González de la Torre.
Why was Block 13 called "Ancha" or "Cinco Esquinas"?
It was called "Ancha" because it was wider than other streets of the time, and "Cinco Esquinas" because it reached a point where five corners meet.
What happened in the 12th block in 2016?
Four houses collapsed in the 12th block, which affected 13 families living in the street.
When did the street receive its current name?
The Municipality of Lima renamed the street in honor of Saint Rose of Lima in 2017.