Most of the old mansions are now mainly political offices and can be visited, usually during business hours. The offices of the Department of Ayacucho (the Prefectura) on the Plaza de Armas are a good example. The mansion was constructed between 1740 and 1755 and sold to the state in 1937. On the ground floor is a pretty courtyard where visitors can see the cell of the local heroine of independence, María Parado de Bellido. Go upstairs to see some excellent tilework.
