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Plaza Mayor of Lima

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Landmark
—°13
Plaza Mayor of Lima (Peru)

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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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Plaza Mayor of Lima is the main square and birthplace of the city, freely accessible. You can view the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, and the Archbishop's Palace from the outside.
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Typical hours
The square is open 24/7. The surrounding buildings typically have daytime hours; the Cathedral usually opens at 9 or 10 a.m. and closes in the afternoon.
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Photography
Photography on the square is allowed. For interior shots of the Cathedral, ask about rules; flash is often not permitted.
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Time needed
A visit to the square takes about 20 to 40 minutes. If you also tour the Cathedral or Government Palace, allow an extra 30 to 60 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby San Francisco Monastery and its catacombs. The Peruvian Inquisition Museum is also nearby.
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Getting there
The square is in Lima's historic center, reachable by bus (e.g., Metropolitano) or taxi. Many attractions are within walking distance.
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Insider tip
Visit the square early morning to avoid crowds and see the changing of the guard at the Government Palace. Keep an eye on your bags in the crowd.

Geography

Coordinates
-12.04500, -77.02980

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

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Sights in the town Plaza Mayor of Lima (13)

Casa de Osambela🏛 museum

Completed in 1805, this grand colonial mansion is famous for its towering mirador, from which merchants once watched for arriving ships at the port of Callao.

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Pinacoteca Pancho Fierro🏛 museum

This municipal art gallery is renowned for safeguarding an extensive collection of expressive watercolors painted by the celebrated 19th-century artist Pancho Fierro.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:30-16:00🆓

Casa O'Higgins🏛 museum

This historic colonial residence once housed the Chilean independence hero Bernardo O'Higgins during his final years of exile in Peru.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-20:00🆓

Huaca Aznapuquio🏺 historical

Tucked within the urban sprawl, this pre-Hispanic earthen mound preserves the remains of a significant ancient ceremonial and administrative center.

Huaca Pampa Cueva🏺 historical

This ancient stepped pyramid site built from adobe bricks gives a fascinating glimpse into the indigenous societies that thrived in the Lima valley before the Spanish conquest.

Huaca Aliaga🏺 historical

Beneath the colonial mansions of the historic center lie the buried foundations of this pre-Inca ceremonial shrine, reflecting the city's deeply layered past.

Teatro Principal Manuel A. Segura🎭 culture

As one of Latin America's oldest operating playhouses, this beautifully restored theater features an elegant, gilded auditorium that has hosted top-tier dramatic and musical performances for over a century.

Sanctuary of Saint Rose of Lima⛪ religious

This globally recognised religious sanctuary in Lima, dating from 1992, is dedicated to Saint Rose.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-13:00, 15:00-18:00

Teatro Municipal de Lima🎭 culture

This widely known municipal theatre stands as a prominent performing arts venue in Lima.

Quinta de Presa📍 landmark

This well-known historic estate and attraction in Lima showcases distinctive colonial-era architecture.

Puente Rayitos de Sol📍 landmark

Inaugurated in November 2006, this notable pedestrian bridge provides a key crossing in Lima.

Puente Santa Rosa📍 landmark

This widely recognised bridge spans the local river as a prominent historical crossing in Lima.

San Jerónimo Hill🌿 nature

This widely known peak has elevated natural vistas over the surrounding landscape of Lima.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is Plaza Mayor most beautiful?
In the evening, when the buildings are spectacularly illuminated.
Can you visit the Cathedral at the Plaza?
Yes, the cathedral is open to visitors, usually except on Sundays.
Is the area around the plaza safe?
Yes, it is very busy and well-guarded during the day.
How much time should you plan?
1 to 2 hours are enough to see the plaza and surrounding buildings.
Is there local food there?
There are many traditional restaurants in the surrounding streets.
Plaza Mayor of Lima: where is it located?
Plaza Mayor of Lima is located in Peru.
Plaza Mayor of Lima: what is there to see?
Highlights include Casa de Osambela, Pinacoteca Pancho Fierro, Casa O'Higgins.
Plaza Mayor of Lima: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Plaza Mayor of Lima: why is it worth visiting?
The Plaza Mayor of Lima, also known as the Plaza de Armas, is the grand historical and political heart of the 'City of Kings'.
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