Miraflores - City of Peru

Miraflores is a district of the Lima Province in Peru. Known for its shopping areas, gardens, flower-filled parks and beaches, it is one of the upscale districts that make up the city of Lima.

Originally founded as San Miguel de Miraflores, it was established officially as a district on January 2, 1857. As a result of the Battle of Miraflores fought during the War of the Pacific, Miraflores got the designation of Ciudad Heroica. The current mayor is Manuel Masias. The district's postal code is 18.

The only pre-Inca ruin remaining in Miraflores, Huaca Pucllana can still be seen. The Spanish town of Miraflores was established in the 16th century. However it was merged into the Lima Metropolitan Area as the city expanded during the early 20th century. During the War of the Pacific, the district was the scene of the Battle of Miraflores. Two thousand people died as a result and the district was sacked and burned by Chilean invaders.

The district is also a cultural center, with theaters, cinemas and art galleries. It also has a pre-Inca mud-brick temple called the Huaca Pucllana, one of a number of archaeological sites found in Lima.

In terms of education, the Miraflores district lodges some of the most prestigious high schools in Peru, such as Markham College, and San Silvestre School, Deutsche Schule Alexander von Humboldt Lima, Pestalozzi and Carmelitas School. It also lodges the University of Piura.

The Calle de las Pizzas in downtown Miraflores, a favourite among Lima's teenagers and young adults, has many pubs which every weekend are filled with people.

Miraflores is a major gathering spot for the gay community in Lima. Peru's largest gay nightclub, Downtown Valetodo, is located in the district. There has been a bitter dispute with area residents concerning the noise generated by this venue and it has been closed several times.

Miraflores has always been a major hub for tourists in Lima. There are a number of hotels in the area, including a couple of international hotel brands which have projects planned for construction in 2009. Furthermore, there are several shops selling souvenirs and tourist products.