A middle-income residential district, it is located next to the Pacific Ocean and forms part of the city's area known as the Costa Verde, which is home to a number of beaches, as well as private clubs and the country's national military school.In 1881, during the War of the Pacific, it was destroyed and looted by the invading Chilean Army, after which it was rebuilt and incorporated into the city of Lima as it grew during the 20th century.Following the Spanish conquest of Peru, however, the hillside settlement was abandoned (few fragments exist today, most in bad condition, some endangered to disappear) and forgotten, as the Indians began to move down to shore.The so-called Battle of Chorrillos took place in the fields of San Juan, about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) away from the town on January 13, 1881; but after the battle, the Chilean soldiers looted, sacked and set fire to the town of Chorrillos, raped the women and killed many civilians, including foreigners, children and women.The district's geography allows for a panoramic view of the bay of Lima and out to La Punta and San Lorenzo Island in Callao.