Overview:

Plaza de Armas, or Main Square, is the heart of Cusco City, a colonial city and Peru’s spiritual capital. This busy square lies in the middle of the old city and is surrounded by important landmarks such as the town hall, the Cathedral and numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels. The Main Square is a bustling venue with daily parades, festivals, dances, street performers, vendors, and artisans who line its narrow streets. Visitors can also find numerous monuments and statues around the square which commemorate the Spanish conquistadors and other important figures in Peru’s history. Plaza de Armas is a great place to experience the real flavor of Cusco and watch how locals go about their daily lives. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

Located in the center of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas of Cusco (Main Square) is the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. This is a beautiful and grandiose open space bordered by arcades and the city’s cathedral. Also known as Huacaypata (meaning warrior’s square), visitors will recognize this area as the traditional starting point of exploration in the city. Featuring a backdrop of surrounding hills and mountain peaks, Plaza de Armas of Cusco is filled with historical, iconic landmarks and monuments. In the center of the square sits a brightly-colored fountain with the statue of Inca Pachacutec on top. The wonderfully designed Cathedral of Cusco sits at the southern end of the plaza, at which ancient Inca walls lay visible. The adjacent La Compañia de Jesus Church is a symbol of Christian and Inca architecture, its ornate façade and roofline adorned with a colorful medley of tiles. Along the arcades at Plaza de Armas of Cusco, visitors can find a variety of vendors selling art, jewelry, souvenirs and Peruvian handicrafts. Restaurants and cafes can also be found here, offering unique culinary experiences of local cuisine. With so much to enjoy and explore, Plaza de Armas is undoubtedly a must-see destination in Cusco. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru is one of the most important public spaces in the city. It has been the heart of Cusco since the Inca times, and it has served as the main square of the city for centuries. The Plaza de Armas, also known as the Imperial Square or the Main Square, was originally built by the Inca Empire under the rule of Pachacuti in the 15th century. It was a space used for royal ceremonies and the display of military power. After the Spanish conquest, the plaza was redesigned to include pillory, a crib, and a large cross. In the 19th century, renovations to the plaza added a fountain, a kiosk, and other features, helping to make the Plaza de Armas a vibrant public center. Today, the plaza is filled with beautiful tree-lined promenades, open green spaces, and is home to a variety of churches. It also hosts a variety of important regional events, including the twice-annual Inti Raymi celebrations. Over the centuries the Plaza de Armas has been the center of Cusco, and remains an important public space in the city. It is surrounded by many of the city’s most important monuments and buildings, and serves as a reminder of both the ancient Inca and the Spanish colonial past. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Plaza de Armas is the most important square of Cusco City and is filled with culture, history, and myth. 2. The square dates back to the 16th century Inca Empire and was originally used for ceremonies, festivals, and other important events. 3. The plaza is filled with monuments, churches, and historical landmarks, including the Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. 4. It is home to the largest fountain of Cusco, called “El Lavatorio”, which was constructed by the Incas in 1650. 5. There is also a statue of the city’s founder, Manco Capac, located in the middle of the plaza. 6. In recent years the Plaza de Armas has become a popular site for parades and festivals, with a Christmas parade taking place every December. 7. It is also host to the Inti Raymi, the Inca Sun Festival, which is a form of worship and celebration that takes place every June. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era