Underneath the Bridge of Sighs in the artsy Barranco District of Lima, Peru, are walls that explode with colorful, hypnotic murals. Strolling along the quiet Bajada de Banos, where a strong smell of stale urine occasionally penetrated the air, the bold murals evoked a diverse, political, and captivating Peruvian society. Barranco, the bohemian section of Lima, is home to musicians, artists, and photographers. The district is a veritable street art gallery where walls everywhere-bars, museums, galleries, even parking lots-have become canvases for brilliant paintings that depict social and sometimes, political messages.

The wooden Bridge, or Puente de los Suspiros, that overlooks the city below was built in 1876 and is one of the most famous sites in Barranco. In earlier times, the Bridge became a meeting place for philosophical and artistic contemplation by notable Peruvian writers and poets. A truly romantic setting, young lovers also descended upon the Bridge in order to woo one another. Their sentimental sighs of amorous adoration eventually accorded the Bridge of Sighs its true name.

Lima is truly a city of beauty, history, and diversity. The vibrant Barranco district with its Puente de los Suspiros and perceptively creative murals is just one of its many attractive and alluring neighborhoods making it an unparalleled and unique South American city.