The Plaza Mayor, also called Plaza de Armas, is where Francisco Pizarro founded Lima on January 18, 1535. For almost five centuries it has been the political and religious heart of the city, and today it is the starting point of any visit to the Historic Center.
Around the square
- The Cathedral of Lima: on the east side, where Pizarro himself laid out the first church.
- The Archbishop’s Palace: next to the Cathedral, famous for its beautiful carved wooden balconies.
- The Government Palace: on the north side, the residence of the President of Peru, built on the site of Pizarro’s house.
- The Municipal Palace: on the west side, the seat of the city government.
- The bronze fountain: in the center of the square, it dates from 1651 and is the oldest surviving element of the plaza.
The changing of the guard
At noon, the Presidential Guard performs the changing of the guard in front of the Government Palace, a ceremony with music and traditional uniforms that you can watch from the square. Check the schedule before your visit, as it can change.
Visit the Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is the first stop of our Lima City Tour from Callao Port and our Lima Private City Tour.