Lima Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)

Lima’s Plaza Mayor (main square) is central Plaza de Armas, the city’s historic heart and birthplace.

Landscaped with palm trees, elaborate lampposts, flower beds and greenery, the square’s focus is the 1650 tiered bronze fountain in the center and the statue of Francisco Pizarro on horseback nearby.

Visit at 11:45am to watch the changing of the guard, or visit any time to find an empty seat and watch the world wander by.

There’s plenty to look at, with the cathedral on one side and the beautiful balconies of the Palacio Arzobispal next door. Several other attractive buildings with balconies and arched porticoes line the square, including the City Hall and Government Palace.

Practical Info

Plaza de Armas is in Lima’s city center. The pedestrianized Jiron de la Union runs southwest to Plaza San Martin, linking Lima’s two main squares.