The Plaza de Armas of Lima, also known as Plaza Mayor, is the historic heart of the capital of Peru. It was founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, and has since been the political, religious, and cultural center of the city.
Surrounded by important colonial buildings such as the Catedral de Lima, the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace, the plaza stands out for its Viceroyal architecture and its symbolic value as the birthplace of colonial Lima. Today, it is one of the country’s main tourist attractions and a meeting point for locals and visitors alike.
La Plaza de Armas de Lima: El Corazón Histórico de la Capital
Located in the heart of the Historic Center of Lima, La Plaza de Armas is one of Peru’s most emblematic spaces. This plaza was the starting point for the city’s design and the central axis of power during the Viceroyalty of Peru.
Surrounded by impressive buildings of great historical and architectural value, the plaza has witnessed key moments in the country’s history, from proclamations to patriotic celebrations. Today, Plaza de Armas is not only a top tourist attraction but also a living symbol of Lima’s identity, where past and present intertwine in a space filled with history, culture, and urban life.
Historia de la Plaza Mayor de Lima
The Plaza Mayor of Lima, also known as Plaza de Armas, is where the city was born. Its history dates back to January 18, 1535, when Francisco Pizarro founded the City of Kings, Lima’s original name, and designed the city following the Spanish grid pattern, with the plaza as its center.
Since its inception, Plaza Mayor has been the political, religious, and social hub of the Viceroyalty of Peru. During the colonial era, the plaza was also the site of public events such as religious processions, bullfights, executions, and royal proclamations. One of the most significant events was the proclamation of Peru’s independence, made by General José de San Martín on July 28, 1821 from one of its balconies.
Over time, authorities have remodeled the plaza several times, but it has always maintained its role as the civic center of the city. Today, it is part of Lima’s Historic Center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, and continues to be a symbol of power, history, and Lima’s identity.
Edificaciones Emblemáticas que Rodean la Plaza
The Plaza Mayor of Lima is surrounded by some of the most important and representative buildings in Peru’s political, religious, and cultural history. These buildings not only beautify the area but also tell the story of the country from the colonial era to the present:
| EDIFICACIONES EMBLEMÁTICAS | DESCRIPCIÓN |
|---|---|
| Catedral de Lima | It is a magnificent example of colonial architecture with Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. Inside, the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima, rest. |
| Palacio de Gobierno del Perú | Also known as the Casa de Pizarro, it was originally built as the house of the conquistador. Every day, the changing of the guard can be witnessed, a very popular tourist attraction. |
| Palacio Municipal de Lima | On the west side, this neocolonial-style building houses the Municipal Government of Lima. The current building was inaugurated in 1944, although this site has served as the town hall since the 16th century. |
| Palacio Arzobispal | Adjacent to the Cathedral, this elegant building is the seat of the Archbishopric of Lima. Its design features carved wooden balconies in Baroque style and a majestic stone façade. |
What to See and Do at Plaza de Armas
Visiting the Plaza de Armas of Lima is to immerse yourself in the heart of Peruvian history. Beyond admiring its architecture, there are a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy in this lively space:
| ACTIVITIES | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Admire the Historic Architecture | Walk through the plaza and admire the majestic colonial buildings like the Catedral de Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the City Hall. |
| Visit the Cathedral of Lima | You can enter the cathedral and explore its chapels, religious museum, and the mausoleum of Francisco Pizarro. |
| Watch the Changing of the Guard | In front of the Government Palace, the traditional changing of the guard takes place daily around noon. It is a free spectacle with martial music and choreographed movements. |
| Take Photos at the Central Fountain | The bronze fountain located at the center of the plaza dates back to the 17th century. It’s an excellent spot for photos with the colonial facades in the background. |
| Enjoy a Coffee with a View of the Plaza | Around the plaza, there are cafes and restaurants with balconies where you can relax, have a drink, and enjoy the privileged view while watching the urban dynamics. |
| Buy Crafts or Souvenirs | On nearby streets like Jirón de la Unión, you’ll find shops selling typical Peruvian products, perfect for picking up a souvenir of your visit. |
| Participate in Cultural Activities | Cultural events, festivals, concerts, and outdoor activities organized by the municipality or government are frequently held here. |
How to Get There and Tips for Visiting
The Plaza de Armas of Lima is located in the Historic Center, in the Cercado de Lima district. There are several ways to get there, depending on your starting point and mode of transport:
| TRANSPORTATION METHOD | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Public Transport (buses and combis) | Many routes that cross downtown Lima pass near the plaza. Make sure the route mentions destinations like “Centro de Lima”, “Colmena”, or “Abancay”. |
| Taxi or mobility app (Uber, Beat, DiDi) | A more comfortable and direct option. Just make sure to use safe apps, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. |
| Private Car | It’s not recommended to drive due to heavy traffic and the difficulty in finding parking downtown. |
To visit the Plaza de Armas of Lima, it’s ideal to go in the morning or at sunset to avoid crowds and take advantage of good light for photos; use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if it’s sunny, wear comfortable shoes to walk through the historic center, and don’t forget to have your camera or phone charged. Be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and if you can, time your visit with the changing of the guard at noon in front of the Government Palace. Also, take the opportunity to explore nearby restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine with a view of the plaza.
