16 pictures from the one of the longest murals on earth

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Ever wondered what a 3,000 square meter mural looks like? Wonder no more.

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Originally founded in 1824, The Universidad Nacional de Trujillo is one of the oldest universities in Peru. Built from 1994 to 2008 in several parts, this one-kilometer-long mural offers up an array of themes: history, nature, animals, conquests, and a whole lot more.

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Some 30,000,000 mosaic squares (1cm x 1cm) were used in over 50 colors.

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100 tons worth of majolica (earthenware pottery) was used to make the tiles.

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Cross the street to the middle island to take in a better view.

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One of the traditional boats used back in the day. You’ll still see them on the beaches in nearby Huanchacos, though they’re more for display now.

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Volcanoes, birds, and sky.

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The zoomed-out version…

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…and the zoomed-in version.

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I… got nothing. Unfortunately there’s nothing on site to explain what’s happening in the mosaic.

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Another one of those ‘I got nothing’ murals. Is that ancient man or an alien?

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The modern-day metropolitan city – though most likely Lima, since Trujillo isn’t this big.

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Why hello there…

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One hell of a fish.

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Proof that cherubs and little angels can be found anywhere, perhaps.

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Rafael Hastings, the original artist behind 100 meters worth of paper sketches that formed the mural today.

For extra credit, you can double back and head up the other major wall along Av. Jesus de Nazareth, which has even more to see.

It’s spectacular, colorful, and a fine way to spend an hour or so while in Trujillo

Name: The mural at Universidad Nacional de Trujillo
Address: Along Ave. Juan Pablo II and Av. Jesus de Nazareth, starting at the corner of the two roads (GPS: -8.112594, -79.034646)
Directions: once in Trujillo, make your way to the ‘ring road’ in the center of town (Avenida España). From the top of the loop, head southwest, and the road will turn into Ave. Juan Pablo II.
Hours: open 24 hours a day, best visited in the day
Admission: free
Phone: none
Website: http://mural.unitru.edu.pe/

Ratings out of 5 globes (How do I rate destinations?)

Ease to arrive:

4globes

Foreigner-friendly:

4globes

Convenience facilities:

2.5 globes

Worth the visit:

4globes

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