Plaza de Armas
The city of Lima was born from the Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor. In 1523, when the Americas were a new world to be explored and conquered, King Charles I mandated that every new city should be a grid, everything built outward from a square in the center. So when conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city of Lima, he began with the plaza. During the colonial era, the plaza was a market and bullfighting ring. It is where heretics performed penance and were executed during the Spanish Inquisition. Where the gallows were now stands a bronze fountain built in 1651. Surrounding the plaza is the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, and the Government Palace.
Plaza de Armas
Address:
Lima District 15001, Peru
Hours of Operation:
24 hours
Plaza de Armas
Phone: +51 1 6321300
Plaza de Armas
Free
Plaza de Armas
On the north side of the plaza, tour the block-long Government Palace, the seat of the executive branch of the Peruvian Government and the residence of the President of Peru. Or catch the changing of the guards along with a performance by traditional Peruvian dancers. On the east side is the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima, which also serves as a museum containing religious texts and artifacts. Beside the palace, the Lima Cathedral houses the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, the Spaniard largely responsible for the conquering of Peru.
Plaza de Armas
What’s nearby?
Restaurants:
Near the Cathedral of Lima, Don Juan (Jirón Carabaya 326, Cercado de Lima 15001) provides quick, attentive service despite its bustling popularity. For dinner, try the causa rellena (potato tapas stuffed with chicken or seafood) and for dessert the strawberry meringue.
Plaza de Armas
Interested in touring Peru and visiting the Plaza de Armas? We offer three different tours that explore this region.
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Best of Peru – 15 Days Best of South America – 21 Days Explore South America – 30 Days
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lima District 15001, Peru | Plaza Mayor de Lima |