With more than 240 restorations and conservations to his credit, architect William Palomino Bellido is a reference in the preservation of the historical heritage of Arequipa. Since its inception at the former Institute of Culture in 1997, Palomino has worked tirelessly to protect and restore some of the White City’s most iconic buildings and monuments.
Graduate of the National University of San Agustín and with a master’s degree in restoration of architectural and urban heritage at the Alcalá University in Spain, he was part of the rehabilitation project of the Historic Center in 2000, which on December 2, 2000 brought with it the title of Cultural Heritage of Humanitya distinction that was awarded to him by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
PROJECTS IN HISTORY
Among his initial projects, he stands out as part of the supervision team at the restoration of the valley of the temples of the Colca valley before the earthquake, such as Maca, Lari temple, Madrigal, Achoma, Chivay and Coporaque.
After the declaration of World Heritage, He was monitoring the Arequipa Cathedralrestoration and enhancement of the La Cabezona, Bronce, Matadero dairy farms, Cornejo House (home of the Independencia school alumni), enhancement of the Sagrado Corazones church, restoration and maintenance of the Bolognesi bridge in a preliminary stage.
Furthermore, it was part of the intervention in the dome of the church of San Ignacio de la Compañía de Jesús; intervention and rehabilitation of some streets, for example Tacna, Toledo, Cerrito San Jacinto in Yanahuara; improvement of facades, restoration at the Banco Continental, Inn, among other private projects and in mansions in the city center.
For Palomino, the Conservation is essential in order to maintain the authenticity of historical monumentsthat is, do the minimum in order to maintain its originality. He alleged that the Historic Center has become an important pillar because tourists who come to the city find authenticity.
“It is not that it becomes new, it is rather making things stable, that they look old, with their deterioration and that involves a lot of effort. The most consumed buildings are those that have stood the test of time. “It is about maintaining the essence of the building, its history and its heritage value (…) Authenticity is what makes a place unique and attractive”he expressed.
Likewise, a heritage that preserves its originality also generates economic dynamism for the people of Arequipa.
CURRENTLY
Palomino is in the final stage of his career, but continues to work with the same passion and dedication as always. His legacy as a guardian of the history and authenticity of Arequipa is undeniable, and He assured that he will continue in this conservation process.
JOB
Outside the city of Arequipa, he participated in the restoration of the Tomepampa plaza, church arch, among others. “The benefit of heritage lies in people’s admiration. Its value is the added value generated by antiquity and authenticity, which is why it is better to preserve its elements.”rescues Palomino.
