Plaza San Martín in Lima

Plaza San Martín in Lima

Plaza San Martín is one of the most iconic squares in Peru, formerly known as Plaza Mayor. During the War of Independence, General San Martín trained cavalry here. On February 25, 1878, on the 100th anniversary of General San Martín’s birth, the Argentine people named this square Plaza San Martín.

Plaza San Martín is square-shaped, covering an area of 24,600 square meters. In the center stands a bronze equestrian statue of General San Martín, the national hero who played a remarkable role in South America’s struggle for independence. San Martín is a globally renowned figure in South America who led Argentinians to independence. The statue depicts him on horseback, gazing into the distance in a victorious pose. The buildings around Plaza San Martín were constructed gradually and consist mostly of relatively tall European-style structures, including the exquisite Palacio de San Martín and Palacio de Bolívar.

The square often gathers crowds engaging in free speeches and debates on any topic related to public life. Even more remarkably, elderly people, women, children, and even adult men offer shoe-shining services here, making it the most concentrated shoe-shining spot in Peru.

Plaza San Martin

Must-visit reason: The most concentrated shoe-shining spot in Peru

Continent where the attraction is located: South America [South America]

Country/region where the attraction is located: Peru [Peru]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Lima Province [Lima Province]

City where the attraction is located: Lima [Lima]