Plaza Mayor of Lima

Plaza Mayor of Lima

Introduction

The bronze fountain in the center of the square was built in 1650. The square is surrounded by buildings such as the Government Palace, the Lima Municipal Palace, and the Cathedral. The architecture of old Lima still retains the distinctive artistic features of Spanish style. It has witnessed many significant events in Peru’s political history. Among them, in 1541, Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima, was assassinated in his residence as the Viceroy of New Castile.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, there were many small shops around the square, and all kinds of vendors gathered here. The square was also used as a site for bullfights and for executions carried out by the Inquisition. A crematorium was set up in the center of the square to burn those who had been sentenced to death. It was later abolished, and a bronze water basin was built in its place, which remains to this day.

The central square has been a venue for celebrating important festivals. In 1821, General San Martín proclaimed Peru's independence here.

Lima, Peru