The Ministry of Culture halted unauthorized construction on April 21 at a historic property located at Jr. Junín N.° 1160, 1168, and 1172 in the city of Cajamarca. The action was carried out by the Decentralized Directorate of Culture (DDC) of Cajamarca after a citizen reported damage to the colonial stone entrance of the building.
The incident highlights ongoing efforts to protect Peru’s cultural heritage and ensure compliance with regulations for interventions on patrimonial properties. According to the Ministry, technical staff from the Subdirectorate of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Industries, and Interculturality coordinated with the National Police during their inspection.
During their visit, authorities found original elements of the stone entrance fractured and fragments of adobe and original stones scattered in public areas alongside new materials. These findings suggested that structural changes were being made without required sector authorization. In response, officials immediately stopped all work and notified both the owner and workers about their violation before drafting an inspection report.
The Ministry announced it will begin legal proceedings as outlined by current laws to safeguard this significant asset that is part of Peru’s National Cultural Heritage. The DDC Cajamarca also reminded citizens that permanent advisory services are available for proper intervention on heritage buildings but emphasized that prior authorization is mandatory; failure to comply may result in administrative, civil, or criminal penalties.
The Ministry fosters social inclusion by protecting heritage and promoting diversity across Peru according to its official website. It operates through decentralized facilities such as regional offices and museums as well as its headquarters in San Borja according to its official website. As an autonomous ministry within Peru’s Executive Branch according to its official website, it works under ministerial leadership according to its official website serving communities nationwide according to its official website.
The ministry oversees national cultural policy aimed at safeguarding heritage while advancing intercultural dialogue and diversity; it also supports initiatives related to social inclusion since its creation in 2010 according to its official website.
