Pueblo Libre is a district of the Lima Province in Peru and one of the districts that comprise the city ofLima. Its name, which means Free Town or Free People, was granted by José de San Martín on April 10, 1822 as a recognition of the patriotism shown by its inhabitants during the Peruvian War of Independence. The district was created by law 9162 on November 5, 1940. The current mayor of Pueblo Libre is Jhonel Leguia and the district's postal code is 21. Pueblo Libre is a middle-class residential community and has the most parks in Lima, although it has several branches of banks, local private universities and major corporations. With a Human Development Index HDI of 0.8667 in 2007, a high level, the same that has increased in recent years. Educational coverage is 98% and service coverage reaches 99.7%.
Pueblo Libre was founded in 1557 as Magdalena Vieja, before being renamed Free Town in 1821 by José de San Martín. The name was given because of the great patriotism and desire for freedom San Martin saw from the people. Simón Bolívar, a liberator from South America, lived in Pueblo Libre. His colonial mansion is known today as the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia Peru which has collections of artefacts from Peruvian culture. Pueblo Libre has a rich history - museums, famous restaurants, and art galleries which are located in this providence. One of Pueblo Libre's oldest attractions is La Cruz del Viajero. The cross was a symbol of faith and protection the conquistadores brought from Spain. Francisco Pizarro placed the cross in Pueblo Libre; soldiers would pray before going to war or when making a hard distant journey. Pueblo Libre is not short of places to eat great Creole food. One restaurant, El Bolivariano, is popular among local families and famous for its weekend buffets, while the historic Antigua Taberna Queirolo, owned by the Santiago Queirolopisco makers, serves one of the best authentic food and wine in Lima. Situated not a long walk from Pueblo Libre's pleasant plaza is the Museo Rafael Larco Hererra, which houses the largest collection of Moche artefacts in the country. But perhaps the most visited museum in Lima is the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia Peru, located at the heart of Pueblo Libre. This museum is known for having one of the best pre-Columbian exhibits in the world. It offers incredible Paracas textiles and a huge selection of pottery. In the history section of the museum, it documents of the brutality of the Spaniards in the country, and of the challenges it has faced since its independence.
