Lima Main Square

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The square's central bronze fountain replaced an earlier stone version and has been a fixture since the mid-17th century.

2. 2

   The Cathedral of Lima houses the tomb of city founder Francisco Pizarro, whose remains were identified in the 1970s.

3. 3

   The square sits atop the original site of an ancient indigenous settlement ruled by the chieftain Taulichusco.

4. 4

   The Government Palace, located on the north side, occupies the land where Pizarro built his original residence.

5. 5

   The surrounding yellow-painted buildings were designed to mirror colonial aesthetics while incorporating modern seismic resistance.

6. 6

   The square has served as a bullring, a marketplace, and an execution site during the Spanish Inquisition era.

Overview

Lima Main Square, also known as the Plaza Mayor, is the historical core where Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535. The square is surrounded by significant colonial-era institutions, including the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop's Palace. Its center features a bronze fountain dating back to 1651. The architecture reflects the influence of the Spanish viceroyalty, characterized by wooden balconies and stone facades. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage area, central to Peruvian political and religious history. It serves as the primary meeting point for public demonstrations and national celebrations. Many surrounding buildings have undergone seismic reinforcement to preserve their structural integrity. It remains the symbolic center of the Lima Metropolitan Area.

Insider tips

• Observe the changing of the guard ceremony at the Government Palace courtyard entrance.

• Visit the interior of the Cathedral to view the preserved colonial-era religious art and catacombs.

• Keep personal belongings secured in front of you, as the area is highly populated and attracts opportunistic pickpockets.