{"id":905,"date":"2020-06-29T13:48:05","date_gmt":"2020-06-29T18:48:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/plaza-de-armas-lima-peru-copy\/"},"modified":"2026-07-19T23:44:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:44:05","slug":"main-square-of-lima-peru","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/main-square-of-lima-peru\/","title":{"rendered":"Lima: A Glimpse at Its Legendary Plaza de Armas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Plaza
Pileta Colonial<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Plaza
Plaza de Armas o Plaza Mayor de Lima<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A valley in the desert<\/strong>. A valley near the sea. In this unique geographical setting \u2014 inhabited since ancient times by various pre-Hispanic peoples \u2014 the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro<\/a> founded a city<\/strong> that would become the capital of a vast viceroyalty, and later the capital of an entire nation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is the origin of Lima<\/strong> \u2014 the \u201cCity of Kings\u201d, the \u201cthrice-crowned town\u201d, and the metropolis of many cultures<\/strong>. Its Historic Centre preserves the grandeur of its colonial and republican mansions, churches, and plazas \u2014 a priceless cultural legacy for humanity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of this Historic Centre lies a truly special and significant place: the Plaza de Armas, also known as the Main Square<\/strong>. Surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral and the Government<\/strong> Palace, this urban space still echoes the foundational spirit of the modest town laid out by Pizarro in early 1535.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lima was born in the Plaza de Armas. This is where its colonial history began. This is where Peru\u2019s independence<\/strong> was proclaimed on July 28, 1821. This is where, for nearly 500 years, the country\u2019s future has been shaped. So much history and meaning make it an unmissable destination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Plaza Mayor awaits you. Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit, explore, and feel it<\/strong> \u2014 only then will you truly understand the essence of Lima: the city that blossomed in a desert<\/strong> stretching all the way to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Square Steeped in History<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On 18 January 1535<\/strong>, conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the \u201cCity of Kings\u201d in the R\u00edmac Valley<\/a>. This historic act, carried out in territory once ruled by the local leader Taulichusco<\/a>, was based on Spanish royal regulations known as the Ordinances for the Foundation of New World Cities<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These laws, issued by King Charles I of Spain<\/strong>, dictated that new cities must be laid out in a grid pattern resembling a chessboard<\/strong>. This design \u2014 drawn using ropes and rulers \u2014 had a starting point: the site chosen as the Plaza de Armas or Main Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From this perspective, it\u2019s clear that Lima, now home to more than 10 million people<\/strong>, took the Plaza de Armas as the cornerstone<\/strong> of its urban development and expansion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the city\u2019s foundation, several key buildings were erected around the plaza: the Cathedral<\/strong>, Pizarro\u2019s house (eventually replaced by today\u2019s Government Palace<\/strong>), the City Council building (now the Municipal Palace), and the House of the Royal Judge (Oidor). A fountain was also added to provide water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In colonial times, this open public space served many purposes \u2014 it was a market, a bullring, and a social gathering spot<\/strong>. Locals came here to collect water from the fountain, mingle with neighbours, or witness<\/strong> public executions<\/strong>, often for political or religious offences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A question: is it Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor? <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the correct name\u2014and which one is used more often? Is it wrong to say Plaza de Armas<\/strong>, or are those who call it Plaza Mayor mistaken? What do you<\/em> think<\/strong>? Do you tend to cling to historical facts, or do you believe everyday use should take precedence?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this \u201cdebate\u201d, history tells us that in Spain, the main square of any city is called the Plaza Mayor<\/strong>. This name was established by the Catholic Monarchs through an ordinance issued in 1480<\/strong>\u2014twelve years before the \u201cdiscovery\u201d of the Americas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, all cities founded by the Spanish in the New World were, by regulation, to have a Plaza Mayor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Plaza
Plaza de Armas or Main Square of Lima<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At the beginning of the 19th century, as the winds of independence<\/strong> swept through the viceroyalties, both royalist troops and patriots held political events in the main squares<\/strong>. That\u2019s when the term Plaza de Armas started to be used<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mayor or de Armas? That question didn\u2019t seem to trouble Ricardo Palma<\/a>. The famous author of Peruvian Traditions<\/a><\/em> referred to it as Mayor<\/em> 48 times in his writings, and only once as Armas<\/em>. Another interesting point comes from the book Lima, Walks Through the City and Its History<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On page 29 of that publication by Expreso, Editora Nacional S.A., it\u2019s clearly stated that the original name of the city\u2019s main square was Mayor<\/strong>, and that this term remained in use throughout the colonial era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, most people in Lima call it Plaza de Armas<\/strong>, even though historical records show that Mayor was its original name<\/strong>. But cities are living, changing places\u2014especially vibrant capitals like Lima. Everything evolves. And this historic square might just be your next destination!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What will you see in the square?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll see\u2014and feel\u2014the echoes of the colonial past and the awakening of the republic<\/strong> in this square laid out on 18 January 1535, back when Lima wasn\u2019t yet Lima but rather La Ciudad de los Reyes<\/strong> (The City of Kings). That\u2019s the name used by those who remember and want to highlight the Spanish roots<\/strong> of the Peruvian capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those roots remain deeply embedded in the Plaza de Armas, the original heart of urban life and a must-see attraction for visitors<\/strong> who want to discover the architectural wealth of Lima\u2019s Historic Centre\u2014declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by colonial and republican buildings<\/strong>, your eyes will be captivated by the grandeur of the Cathedral<\/a> and the Archbishop\u2019s Palace\u2014two powerful symbols of the founders\u2019 deep faith<\/strong>. A faith that still lives in the hearts of most of Lima\u2019s people, as seen in their many religious celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And just as God has His place in the square<\/strong>, so too does political and civic power\u2014within the Government Palace<\/strong> (built over the house of Pizarro<\/a>) and the City Hall <\/a>(formerly the colonial Cabildo). Other significant buildings include the House of the Oidor and the Club de la Uni\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss the Portal de Botoneros<\/a> or the colonial fountain dating back to the mid-17th century. Situated at 160 metres above sea level<\/strong>, this fountain marked kilometre zero of the national road<\/strong> system starting from Lima\u2014at least until just a few decades ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to Do In and Around the Plaza de Armas<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walk, look around, take photos<\/strong> of the green areas, the fountain, the balconies and the colonial and republican fa\u00e7ades. That\u2019s the simplest plan\u2014and \u201cstrategy\u201d\u2014for enjoying the Plaza de Armas<\/strong> and its surroundings without booking a tour or spending a penny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The changing of the guard<\/a> in the Honour Courtyard of the Government Palace<\/strong> (held every day at 11:45 a.m.) should definitely be part of this budget-friendly plan, which is perfect for travellers who like to explore tourist spots on their own<\/strong>. This approach has the added bonus of giving you full control over your time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So take all the time you need to rest or \u201cescape<\/strong>\u201d to nearby spots like the Santa Rosa and Jos\u00e9 Olaya<\/strong> passageways<\/strong>, the Jir\u00f3n de la Uni\u00f3n\u2014a pedestrian street that leads to San Mart\u00edn Square\u2014, as well as Plaza Per\u00fa (formerly Francisco Pizarro Square) and the House of Peruvian Literature<\/a>, located in the old Desamparados train station.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Plaza
Changing of the guard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Discover the Plaza de Armas with a Free Walking Tour<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re the type who prefers exploring with a guide who tells you the stories, legends and quirky facts behind the places you visit, then join our free<\/em> walking tour of Lima\u2019s Historic Centre<\/strong>. This is the best way to explore the old city safely, confidently, and at no cost<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book a free<\/em> walking tour of Lima<\/a> to discover the squares, streets, old mansions and churches of the \u201cGrid of Pizarro\u201d. The tour lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes<\/strong>, and throughout the route a fully professional, 100% Peruvian guide<\/strong> will share with you fascinating details about what you\u2019re seeing and snapping pictures of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to know what people think of our tours? Check out the amazing reviews from past guests<\/a>. You can also follow us on Instagram<\/a>! And once you\u2019ve finished exploring Lima, don\u2019t forget to leave a tip for your guide<\/a>\u2014it\u2019s always appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note for Peruvians:<\/strong> These free <\/em>tours are exclusively<\/strong> for inbound international travellers. Peruvian nationals are welcome to book the classic city tour of Colonial and Modern Lima instead<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Important to Know:<\/strong> The Plaza de Armas of Lima is not<\/em> our meeting point. Visit our website<\/a> for all the details.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eating and Drinking During Your Visit to the Plaza de Armas<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lima is a world-renowned gastronomic destination<\/strong>, which means every outing is the perfect excuse to try the capital\u2019s amazing flavours. Make the most of your trip to the Plaza de Armas by checking out these restaurants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n