Callao Monumental - Urban art project in Lima There's always something new to discover in Lima's exciting and ever-evolving contemporary art scene. I'd heard a lot about the art project in Callao, showcasing some of the country's best street art, contemporary galleries and artists. So I went along to check out the new space, learn about the area, and experience first hand how contemporary Limeño artists are expressing themselves in this historic neighbourhood in a lesser-known part of the city. It was quick to see that the project Monumental is a fascinating hidden side to Lima that few travellers know about, and well worth visiting during a stay in Lima. From Boom to Bust: The story of Callao The port district of Callao was founded in 1537 by Spanish colonists and quickly became the principle port for Spanish commerce in the Pacific. At the height of the Spanish Viceroyalty, almost all goods from Peru, Argentina and Bolivia bound for Spain passed through Callao, and then on to Panama before the Atlantic crossing. From an era of economic boom and the affluence that comes with it, Callao then suffered progressive economic decline in the ensuing years. But now, projects like Callao Monumental are bringing regeneration and visitors to the area, so it's a great time to visit the fresh and edgy district as part of any tailormade trip Peru. Callao Monumental - a hive of creativity The Callao Monumental project showcases contemporary urban art, champions local artists and engages with the community through its outreach and regeneration work. The heart of the project is located in the historic Ronald Building, a covered market built by a British engineer, and renovated specifically for this project. It consists of six floors of independent restaurants, artesanal fabric boutiques, galleries and studio spaces for resident artists. On the ground floor, you