Colonial courtyard of the old National Library

Viceregal buildings in Peru were inspired by peninsular and European models. The most prominent buildings in the city were of the ecclesiastical and governmental type, in addition to the houses of the wealthier families.
The National Library of Peru was created in 1821 on the basis of a building that belonged to the Jesuit order since the dawn of the Viceroyalty, where they housed a student cloister. This space, in addition to being composed of rooms to house the collections and reading rooms, contained a colonial-style patio of square proportions. On its first level, the patio was surrounded by an arcade leading to the gallery, while on the second, it was surrounded by columns and a balcony.