# Giacoletti Building

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Cultural heritage site in Lima, Peru

Giacoletti Building Edificio Giacoletti, Edificio Juan Romano The building in 2017 Interactive map of the Giacoletti Building area General information Status Destroyed Architectural style Art Nouveau (1912–40s) Neocolonial (1940s–2018) Location Plaza San Martín, Lima, Av. Nicolás de Piérola 890 Coordinates 12°03′05″S 77°02′08″W / 12.0513°S 77.03547°W / -12.0513; -77.03547 Completed 1912 Destroyed October 27, 2018

The **Giacoletti Building** ([Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *Edificio Giacoletti*), also known as the **Juan Romano Building** ([Spanish](/source/Spanish_language): *Edificio Juan Romano*), was a historical commercial building located in [San Martín Plaza](/source/Plaza_San_Mart%C3%ADn%2C_Lima). In 1972 it was declared a historical monument of [Lima](/source/Lima). The building was destroyed in a fire on October 27, 2018. Restoration works began on August 28, 2025.

## History

The building (right) next to the *Teatro Colón* (left)

The building, a project by the [Italian](/source/Kingdom_of_Italy) brothers Rinaldo, Antonio and Guido Masperi, was built under the auspices of the Lima-based merchant Juan Romano on land destined for new buildings that would surround and embellish the space destined for a new square under construction, which would be later known as the [San Martín Plaza](/source/Plaza_San_Mart%C3%ADn%2C_Lima). The materials used to build the peculiar building with a triangular floor plan and four floors, in an academic style with some elements of [Italian Art Nouveau](/source/Liberty_style), were [adobe](/source/Adobe) and [quincha](/source/Quincha). Inside, the levels were connected by a European marble staircase. Being the first building erected around the future square, it set the style and height of other later buildings, such as the [Hotel Bolívar](/source/Gran_Hotel_Bolivar), the [Teatro Colón](/source/Teatro_Col%C3%B3n%2C_Lima) or the [*Club Nacional*](/source/Club_Nacional_(Peru)).[1][2]

The building was originally known as the *Juan Romano Building* in honor of its promoter, but it was popularly renamed Giacoletti after Pedro Giacoletti's Italian cafeteria that operated on the first floor.[1][3]

In the 1940s the Art Nouveau ornamentation was removed, lightening its decoration, and turning it into a [*neocolonial*](/source/Spanish_Colonial_Revival_architecture) building.[1][2]

During its more than one hundred years of existence, it housed different businesses, such as bars and restaurants.[1] In the 1970s, Romano ceded the space to the *El Cortijo* chicken parlor.[2] In 1972, the Giacoletti building was declared a historical monument of the city.[3] Later the poultry shop moved to the [Barranco](/source/Barranco_District) district, and the *Parrilladas San Martín* restaurant was installed on the premises, a business that did not last long due to the [Peruvian crisis of that time](/source/Lost_Decade_(Peru)).[2]

### Fire

The building after the fire.

In the early morning of October 27, 2018, the building was damaged by a [fire](/source/Structure_fire) that lasted three hours.[3] On the first level of the five-story building was the *Roky's* chicken shop, which had been operating since the beginning of the year 2000,[2] where it is presumed that the fire started. In addition, the building was the headquarters of a hostel. The fire would have started in a chimney flue and therefore spread rapidly to the upper floors.[4][5]

The building has remained empty since, still in a dilapidated state and without final demolition or reconstruction due to bureaucratic obstacles and financing problems.[6] Currently, only the outer part of the building remains, although plans to rebuild it have been proposed.[7]

On August 7, 2025, the building was declared part of the [Cultural heritage of Peru](/source/Cultural_heritage_of_Peru).[8]

### Restoration

Restoration works headed by [PROLIMA](/source/PROLIMA) began on August 28, 2025, with a ceremony headed by mayor [Rafael López Aliaga](/source/Rafael_L%C3%B3pez_Aliaga). The new project aims to restore its original Art Nouveau style, dating back to 1908.[9][10][11][12]

## See also

- [Casa Marcionelli](/source/Casa_Marcionelli), destroyed in a fire in 2023

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-LR_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-LR_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-LR_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-LR_1-3) ["Fue el primer edificio de la plaza San Martín y se construyó en 1912"](https://larepublica.pe/sociedad/1346316-primer-edificio-plaza-san-martin-construyo-1912/). *[La República](/source/La_Rep%C3%BAblica_(Peru))*. 2019-05-28.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Peru21_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Peru21_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Peru21_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Peru21_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Peru21_2-4) ["La historia del edificio Giocoletti, hoy convertido en cenizas"](https://peru21.pe/lima/centro-lima-historia-edificio-giocoletti-hoy-convertido-cenizas-nndc-436937-noticia/). *[Perú 21](/source/Per%C3%BA_21)*. 2018-10-27.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Garcia_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Garcia_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Garcia_3-2) García, Alejandra (2018-10-28). ["Fuego destruye una construcción histórica en la plaza San Martín \[FOTOS\]"](https://peru21.pe/lima/fuego-destruye-construccion-historica-plaza-san-martin-437019-noticia/). *[Perú 21](/source/Per%C3%BA_21)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Cruz, Yohel (2018-10-27). ["Centro de Lima - Incendio consumió una casona frente a la Plaza San Martín"](https://rpp.pe/lima/actualidad/incendio-un-gran-incendio-consume-una-casona-frente-a-la-plaza-san-martin-noticia-1159395). *[RPP Noticias](/source/Radio_Programas_del_Per%C3%BA)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Plaza San Martín: el siniestrado edificio Giacoletti, el adiós a parte de nuestra historia"](https://www.americatv.com.pe/noticias/actualidad/plaza-san-martin-siniestrado-edificio-giacoletti-adios-parte-nuestra-historia-n344630). *[América Noticias](/source/Am%C3%A9rica_Televisi%C3%B3n)*. 2018-10-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Edificio Giacoletti: a dos años del incendio que consumió este patrimonio su restauración aún no se inicia"](https://elcomercio.pe/lima/patrimonio/edificio-giacoletti-a-dos-anos-del-incendio-que-consumio-este-patrimonio-su-restauracion-aun-no-se-inicia-noticia/). *[El Comercio](/source/El_Comercio_(Peru))*. 2020-10-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Ardiles, Abby (2022-05-21). ["Edificio Giacoletti: ¿Cuáles son los planes de la municipalidad para poder restaurarlo?"](https://elcomercio.pe/lima/edificio-giacoletti-cuales-son-los-planes-de-la-municipalidad-para-poder-restaurarlo-centro-historico-de-lima-plaza-san-martin-municipalidad-metropolitana-de-lima-noticia/?ref=ecr). *[El Comercio](/source/El_Comercio_(Peru))*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Villantoy Gómez, Abigail (2025-08-13). ["Edificio Giacoletti: el ícono de la arquitectura limeña declarado Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación por el Ministerio de Cultura"](https://www.infobae.com/peru/2025/08/13/edificio-giacoletti-el-icono-de-la-arquitectura-limena-declarado-patrimonio-cultural-de-la-nacion-por-el-ministerio-de-cultura/). *[Infobae](/source/Infobae)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Municipalidad de Lima inició restauración del emblemático edificio Giacoletti"](https://rpp.pe/lima/actualidad/municipalidad-de-lima-inicio-restauracion-del-emblematico-edificio-giacoletti-noticia-1652688). *[RPP Noticias](/source/RPP_Noticias)*. 2025-08-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Bugarin, Claudia (2025-08-28). "Restaurarán el edificio Giacoletti en el corazón de Lima". *[América Noticias](/source/Am%C3%A9rica_Televisi%C3%B3n)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Pereyra, Andrea (2025-08-28). ["Municipalidad de Lima inicia restauración del histórico edificio Giacoletti"](https://diariocorreo.pe/edicion/lima/municipalidad-de-lima-inicia-restauracion-del-historico-edificio-giacoletti-peru-noticia/). *[Correo](/source/Correo_(newspaper))*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Lima da inicio a la restauración del Edificio Giacoletti con ceremonia simbólica"](https://www.gob.pe/institucion/munilima/noticias/1235106-lima-da-inicio-a-la-restauracion-del-edificio-giacoletti-con-ceremonia-simbolica). *[Gob.pe](/source/Gob.pe)*. [Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima](/source/Municipalidad_Metropolitana_de_Lima). 2025-08-27.

v t e Lima landmarks Pre-Columbian buildings Huaca Huallamarca Huaca Pucllana Huaca Santa Catalina Pachacamac Puruchuco Colonial buildings Balconies of Lima Basilica and Convent of Nuestra Señora de la Merced Monument Plazoleta Basilica and Convent of San Francisco Catacombs Basilica and Convent of San Pedro Basilica of Santo Domingo Plazuela Casa de Aliaga Casa de Divorciadas Casa de Osambela Casa de Pilatos Casa del Oidor Casa Goyeneche Casa Hacienda Punchauca Casa Matusita Casa O'Higgins Casa Riva-Agüero Casona of the National University of San Marcos Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Museum of Art Theatre Basilica Cathedral of Lima Sanctuary Cementerio Presbítero Matías Maestro Cripta de los Héroes Church of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Church of Saint Catherine of Siena Church of Saint Lazarus Church of the Good Death Church of the Holy Christ of Wonders Church of the Orphans Church of Our Lady of Copacabana Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church of Our Lady of Patronage Church of Saint Anne Church of Saint Augustine Church of Saint Liberata Church of Saint Mary Magdalene Convent of Our Lady of the Angels Cuartel Barbones Fort of Santa Catalina Iglesia de la Recoleta Mogrovejo Hospital Monastery of Saint Rose of Lima National Mint of Peru Palacio de la Magdalena Palacio de Torre Tagle Panteón de los Próceres Plaza de toros de Acho Real Felipe Fortress Royal College of the University of San Marcos Royal Hospital of Saint Andrew Sanctuary and Monastery of Las Nazarenas Sanctuary of Saint Rose of Lima Seminario de Lima St. Clare's Monastery Mill St. Sebastian's Church Trinitarian Church Walls of Lima Other touristic buildings Archbishop's Palace Association of Amateur Artists Atlas Building Bar Cordano Basílica María Auxiliadora BBVA Building Begonias Tower Casa Arenas Loayza Casa de Correos y Telégrafos Casa de las Trece Monedas Casa del Pueblo Casa Fernandini, Lima Casa Fernandini, Santa María del Mar Casa Roosevelt Casa Rusa Casa Sal y Rosas Casa Suárez Chinatown Arch Chocavento Tower Church of Our Lady of the Forsaken Club de la Unión Club Nacional Country Club Lima Hotel Cristo del Pacífico Delfines Hotel & Convention Center Desamparados station Diez de Octubre School Eduardo Dibos Colosseum El Ángel Cemetery Gamarra Government Palace Obelisk Gran Hotel Bolívar Gran Hotel Maury Guadalupe College Hermitage of Barranco Hospital Civil de la Misericordia Hotel Crillón Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Monument Institute of Hygiene Interbank Building Javier Alzamora Valdez Building JW Marriott Hotel Lima La Atarjea La Colmena Building La Rosa Náutica Larcomar Teatro La Plaza Library of Congress Lima Civic Center Legislative Palace Lima Convention Center Lima Stock Exchange Building Luis Gálvez Chipoco Stadium Mesa Redonda Monumental Stadium Morro Solar War Monument Mosque of Lima National Geographic Institute National Library of Peru National Maternal Perinatal Institute National Stadium of Peru Palacio de la Exposición Palacio de Miraflores Palacio Municipal Palace of Justice Pan-American Athletes' Village Petroperú Building Public Ministry of Peru Quinta Heeren Quinta Leuro Quinta Presa Rospigliosi Castle Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus Church Sheraton Lima Historic Center Sinagoga 1870 Sinagoga Sharón The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center Torre Banco de la Nación Museums and theatres Aeronautical Museum Bodega y Quadra Museum Canout Theatre Casa Grau Naval Museum Combatants of the Morro de Arica Museum DIRCOTE Museum Gold Museum of Peru and Arms of the World Gran Teatro Nacional José Carlos Mariátegui Museum Larco Museum Lima Art Museum Metropolitan Museum Morro Solar Planetarium Municipal Theatre Museum Museum of Congress and the Inquisition Museum of Contemporary Art Museum of the Brain Museum of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru Museum of Elections and Democracy Museum of Italian Art Museum of Natural History National Afro-Peruvian Museum National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History National Museum National Museum of Peruvian Culture Naval Museum Pinacotheca of Lima Teatro Colón Teatro Municipal Teatro Peruano Japonés Teatro Segura Squares and promenades Cinco esquinas Jirón de la Unión Pasaje Olaya Monument Pasaje Santa Rosa Pizarro statue Stone of Taulichusco Paseo de los Héroes Navales Las llamas La yunta Paseo Colón Columbus Statue Pizza Blvd. Plaza de la Bandera Plaza Bolívar Plaza Bolognesi Plaza de la Democracia Plaza Dos de Mayo Plaza Francia Statue of Liberty Plaza Grau Monument Plaza Italia Plaza José Faustino Sánchez Carrión Plaza Manco Cápac Monument Plaza Mayor Fountain Plaza Perú Plaza Ramón Castilla Monument Plaza San Martín Lamp of the Three Graces Plazuela de las Artes Plazuela del Teatro Monument Parks and zoos Alameda Chabuca Granda Alameda de los Descalzos Museum Bridge of Sighs Campo de Marte Monument Costa Verde Pan-American Complex El Olivar Friendship Park Cultural Centre Museum Heroes of Independence Park Huachipa Zoo Lima Golf Club Malecón de Miraflores Love Park Villena Bridge Medicinal Botanical Garden Kennedy Park Lachay National Reserve Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge Parque de la Exposición Fountain Parque de La Muralla Parque de la Reserva Parque de las Leyendas Paseo de Aguas Plazuela Chabuca Granda Monument Reducto № 2 Museum Reducto № 5 University Park Clock Education Antonio Ruiz de Montoya University Cayetano Heredia University Federico Villarreal National University National Superior Autonomous School of Fine Arts Cultural Centre National University of Engineering National University of San Marcos Officers' School of the National Police of Peru Peruvian University of Applied Sciences Pontifical Catholic University of Peru Raúl Porras Barrenechea Institute Ricardo Palma University Technological University of Peru University of Engineering and Technology Campus University of Lima Health Archbishop Loayza National Hospital Central Military Hospital Dos de Mayo National Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital National Institute of Child Health National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases San Bartolomé National Hospital Víctor Larco Herrera Hospital Nearby areas with beaches Ancón Callao Base Port Chancay Port Chorrillos La Herradura Miraflores La Pampilla Pucusana Former Banco Comercial Barranco Lake Barranco Zoo Cabildo of Lima Casa Alcántara Casa Marcionelli Casa Oechsle Casa Tenaud Church of Our Lady of the Forsaken Church of Saint Mary of Charity Cine Tauro El Sexto Prison Gate of Lima Giacoletti Building Great Clock of Lima Hipódromo de San Felipe Hipódromo de Santa Beatriz Lima Penitentiary Limatambo Airport Limatambo Building Marsano Palace Moorish Arch Museo de la Nación National Stadium San Jorge Prison San Martín barracks Venetian Palace Saint Paul's College Viceregal Palace

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Giacoletti Building](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacoletti_Building) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacoletti_Building?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.