Plaza de Armas and Cathedral of Lima
The Plaza de Armas, also known as the Plaza Mayor of Lima, is the historic and tourist center of the ‘City of Kings’ .
This is one of the largest main squares in Peru. It covers an area of 140 square meters. It is surrounded by colonial architectural monuments steeped in history. In the center stands a bronze fountain commissioned by Viceroy García de Sarmiento in 1650.
The palm trees and green spaces that adorn the square, as well as the historic and touristy atmosphere that permeates it, make it one of Lima’s must-see tourist attractions. Tours include visits to the surrounding historic buildings, such as the Cathedral, the Casa del Oidor, the Catacombs (Church of San Francisco), and more.
In Lima’s Plaza Mayor, throughout its more than 400 years of history, historical events such as the founding of the city (1535), the proclamation of the Independence of Peru (1821) and more have taken place.
Because it is part of the Historic Center of Lima, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991.
Where is?
Lima’s Plaza de Armas is located in the city center, directly in front of the Government Palace and City Hall . It belongs to the Cercado de Lima district. Peru’s capital is located on the country’s Pacific coast, 280 meters above sea level. The streets that converge on the plaza are Jirón Junín, Jirón de la Unión, Jirón Carabaya, and Jirón Huallaga.
How to get there?
Lima is a very large city with nearly 9 million inhabitants . Most visitors stay in tourist hotels in the Miraflores or Barranco districts, located 8.6 kilometers from the Plaza Mayor.
Most visitors arrive at the Plaza de Armas via a tour that includes transportation.