The square was built on the site of the former Puerta de Cocharcas, one of the original entrances to the walled city of Lima.
The bronze monument was cast in Paris and shipped to Peru in pieces to be assembled on-site.
It is one of the few examples of a 'rond-point' design in Lima, heavily inspired by Haussmann's renovation of Paris.
The base of the monument features bas-reliefs illustrating key moments of the 1866 naval conflict.
The plaza is the official point of origin for the national highway system in Peru, marked by kilometer zero signs in the surrounding area.
Plaza Dos de Mayo is a prominent neoclassical urban space in Lima, characterized by its distinct circular layout and central monument. Completed in 1874, the square commemorates the Battle of Callao, which took place on May 2, 1866, against the Spanish fleet. The central bronze statue, designed by French sculptor Léon Cugnot, depicts the goddess Victory crowning a group of soldiers. The plaza serves as a vital transit junction for several major avenues, including Avenida Alfonso Ugarte and Avenida Nicolás de Piérola. Its architecture reflects the French influence on Lima’s late 19th-century urban planning, featuring symmetric, three-story buildings with balconies. The square is officially classified as a National Heritage Site of Peru due to its historical and architectural significance. It serves as a starting point for protests and public demonstrations in the city center. The square is currently undergoing long-term urban conservation efforts to preserve its historical facades.
From the corner of Avenida Alfonso Ugarte, where you can frame the symmetrical buildings and the central monument in one shot.
Observe the architecture from the street corners to avoid the heavy traffic flow circling the square.
Visit during daylight hours only, as the surrounding area can be less secure for tourists after dark.
Keep a firm grip on personal belongings due to the high volume of pedestrians and transit commuters.
Do not attempt to walk across the central traffic circle; use designated pedestrian crossings only.
