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Plaza Mayor of Lima
The Plaza Mayor of Lima, also known as the Plaza de Armas, is the grand historical and political heart of the 'City of Kings'. It was at this very spot that Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in 1535, and it was here that the independence of Peru was proclaimed in 1821. Surrounded by some of the city's most important buildings, including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop's Palace, the square is a masterpiece of colonial and neoclassical architecture. Its center is graced by a beautiful bronze fountain dating back to 1651. The plaza is not just a tourist attraction but a living center of civic life, where grand ceremonies and protests alike mark the pulse of the nation. As part of Lima's UNESCO-listed historic center, it remains a powerful symbol of Peru's colonial heritage and its republican identity.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Casa de Osambela · Pinacoteca Pancho Fierro · Casa O'Higgins
- Nearby: Huaraz (83 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The exact spot where Francisco Pizarro founded the city of Lima on January 18, 1535.
- General José de San Martín proclaimed the Independence of Peru here on July 28, 1821.
- The Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) on the north side is the official residence of the President.
- The central bronze fountain was commissioned by Viceroy García Sarmiento de Sotomayor in 1651.
- The Cathedral of Lima houses the tomb of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro.
- The Archbishop's Palace is famous for its exquisite neo-colonial carved wooden balconies.
- Was the site of Lima's first market and even served as a bullring in the early colonial era.
- Part of the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Plaza Mayor of Lima (13)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
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Plaza Mayor of Lima: where is it located?
Plaza Mayor of Lima: what is there to see?
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