Lima Main Square

The Plaza Mayor, also known as Plaza de Armas until 1990, is Lima's oldest public square. The city of Lima was founded in 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro on the site of an existing indigenous settlement. He envisioned a central square in the future city of Lima, with all important institutions built around it.

The Palacio de Gobierno, the presidential residence and in colonial times the location of Francisco Pizarro's house - later the Palace of the Viceroys - is located on the north side of Plaza Mayor. The Cathedral of Lima is located on the east side, flanked by the Archbishop's Palace. The Palacio Municipal is located on the Plaza Mayor's west side. Wealthy and influential immigrants were permitted to build mansions on properties near the Plaza Mayor based on their importance and rank. The main square in colonial Lima was the city's economic center. The arcades in front of the main buildings, the small street now known as Pasaje Olaya, and other adjoining streets were packed with all kinds of shops. For a long time, the plaza housed for a long time Lima's big foot market.

The Plaza Mayor served as the ceremonial heart of old Lima. All major events were held here, including religious, state, and military processions, as well as various festivities and entertainment. The Plaza Mayor was used by the Spanish Inquisition for public executions of their condemned. The first bullfight in Lima was held on Plaza Mayor in 1538, and many more followed until the Plaza de Acho was built. General Jose de San Martin declared Peru's independence here in 1821. In its over 500 years old history, the Plaza Mayor has seen all important events of Lima and Peru. It has been altered, remodeled, and rebuilt numerous times, but its layout and significance remain unchanged.

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Address: Plaza central Lima, Lima 15001, Peru
Phone: none
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plazadearmasdelima/