Overview:

: The Plaza de Armas (Main Square) in Lima, Peru is the historical and political center of the city. It was built by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and is situated in the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Plaza is home to many historical monuments, including the Presidential Palace, Archbishop's Palace, and City Hall. The Plaza is surrounded by colonial and republican buildings and is often filled with street vendors who sell traditional Peruvian souvenirs such as alpaca wool scarves and ponchos, as well as artisanal handicrafts. It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike, as it is a gathering spot for friends and families. The Plaza also hosts a variety of events such as parades, concerts, and festivals. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

's capital city of Lima, the Plaza de Armas is the main square, located in the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Plaza de Armas is a densely populated area which is also known as "The Unit of the City" due to its location at the center of Lima’s city planning. It is surrounded by important landmarks, such as the Palace of Government, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop's Palace. Additionally, It is the old Plaza Mayor, where the Peruvian Independence was declared. The square is decorated with beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures, making it an important part of Lima's history and identity. The Plaza de Armas hosts many events and activities each year, such as the famous Grand Parade of Lima on the 28th of July. Every second Saturday of the month there is a book fair with local authors. Plaza de Armas is a popular photo spot for tourists, and a great place for people watching, enjoying a cup of coffee, or a gelato. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

Throughout history, the Plaza de Armas of Lima, Peru, most commonly known as the Main Square of Lima, has been the center of politics, culture, and entertainment in the country. Known to locals simply as the "Plaza", the Main Square is located in the historic center of the city, surrounded by government buildings, museums, churches, and other important institutions. It has been the stage of many important events and has seen changes in its layout through the years. The Plaza has existed since the foundation of Lima in 1535, making it one of the oldest public squares in the Americas. Originally, it was designed as a large rectangular plaza with a small fountain at its center. This remained until 1624, when a radical transformation of the plaza was undertaken by Spanish viceroy Toribio de Mogrovejo. He redesigned the Plaza and added gardens, a central fountain, and a wooden artesian well that stands tall and proud to this day. In the 18th and 19th century the Plaza became grander and more ornate. During the colonial period many institutions began to surround it such as the Toribio de Mogrovejo Palace (currently the Municipality of Lima), the Casa Gallardo (currently the Lima Cathedral), and the Colores Barracks (now the Government Palace). Churches such as the Church of the Desamparados, San Francisco of Lima, and the Company of Jesus Church also appeared. In the mid 19th century a major renovation was done, and the Plaza was transformed into a large garden. Trees were planted and pathways lined the perimeter of the Plaza. This remained until 1930 when it was remodeled, replacing the gardens with paved pathways. In the following years, large statues and monuments were added to the Plaza, including the ones honoring independence hero Francisco Pizarro and Peruvian military leader José de San Martín. Today, the Plaza de Armas of Lima stands in all its history and majesty. It is still a political, cultural and social hotspot, where people gather throughout the year to celebrate special occasions, watch theatrical performances, listen to music, or simply take in the beauty of the place. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Plaza de Armas is considered the oldest public square in Lima and South America. It was established in 1535 shortly after the founding of Lima by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. 2. Surrounded by ornate buildings and important monuments, Plaza de Armas is a popular tourist spot in the city of Lima. It was even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. 3. The square has witnessed many important historical events, such as the proclamation of Peru's independence in 1821 and the naming of Lima as the capital of Peru in 1824. 4. It is home to some of the most impressive examples of colonial architecture in South America, including the Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace, the San Francisco Church, and the impressive Moorish-style Torre Tagle Palace. 5. In the center of the square stands a bronze fountain, erected in 1936 to commemorate 50 years of independence. 6. For four centuries, Plaza de Armas served as a public marketplace as well as a venue for public events and festivities. These days, it is still a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and is a great spot to people-watch or take in the culture of Limanidad. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era