Quinta Leuro

Quinta Leuro was built in 1927 by Italian architect Lidio Mongilardi, who planned the project in the early 20th century. The building is located on the 800 block of Avenida 28 de Julio, on land that once belonged to Peruvian bureaucrat Juan José Leuro y Carfanger.

Quinta Leuro is considered a landmark of the Miraflores district, as it is a cultural asset noted for its eclectic design—a combination of Neocolonial elements and Mediterranean-style structures. In 1987, it was officially declared a Cultural Heritage Site of the Nation.

In the 1950s, the quinta was also referred to as “El Solar” due to its proximity to Calle Solar.

It is believed that these homes originally belonged to middle-class families, as their size and layout reflect the characteristics of homes from that era. Some historians suggest that their finishes show clear European influence. Each house was designed with slight variations, which created a sense of harmony in both layout and architectural style.

The houses that face the avenue are one- or two-story buildings, larger in size than those inside the complex. These homes are surrounded by green areas, while the interior houses are smaller, often with fewer rooms, yet they still retain exterior gardens and decorative details on doors, windows, and roofs. At the rear of the quinta, some homes feature elegant semicircular staircases leading to the second floor.

Despite renovations over the years, the quinta has preserved much of its original architectural charm. Details such as wooden railings, red flagstone floors, ornate cornices, and decorative shutters remain largely untouched and well maintained. The central gabled roof is still one of the quinta’s most iconic features.

Another charming aspect is the presence of hidden pathways that connect different sides of the quinta. These paths are lined with plants, shrubs, flowers, and decorative ornaments, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The columns and upper-floor roofs are adorned with unique details, which, thanks to good conservation, continue to reflect the style of the early 20th century. The abundance of arches—on doors, windows, and corridors—is perhaps the most striking feature of this quinta.

Some houses are decorated with exterior ornaments such as small sculptures, flower pots, and bells, adding to the property’s unique character. Residents on the upper floors likely feel as though they’ve stepped back in time. Despite being located in one of the most commercial areas of Miraflores, the quinta maintains a remarkable sense of calm—shielded from traffic noise and the hustle and bustle of the city.

For all these reasons, Quinta Leuro was declared a Cultural Heritage Site, in an effort to preserve a piece of the district’s history.

It’s also worth noting that Quinta Leuro was the setting of the short story “Tristes querellas de la vieja quinta” (Sad Quarrels of the Old Quinta) by renowned Peruvian writer Julio Ramón Ribeyro. The story was published in his 1977 book Silvio en El Rosedal, and was inspired by Ribeyro’s own experience living in the quinta for a number of years.