Last updated on December 20, 2023.

The capital of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Viceroyalty of Peru couldn’t have a grander plaza than Plaza Mayor in Lima. With its trademark yellow buildings, balconies, cathedral, and presidential palace, there may not be a finer example of a Spanish plaza in the world. The plaza is fitting for Lima’s nickname, “The City of Kings”.

Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Plaza Mayor

This UNESCO World Heritage site in Lima’s historic city center has been witness to important historic moments, such as José de San Martin proclaiming Peru’s independence in 1821. It has been used as a bullfighting ring and city gallows.

Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Plaza Mayor

 

Fountain

At the center of the plaza is a fountain dating back to 1651. It was placed there by García Sarmiento de Sotomayor. An earlier fountain existed back to 1578.

Fountain at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Fountain

 

Government Palace

The most important building sits at the north end of Plaza Mayor. The Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) was built in 1535 and rebuilt in 1937. It was the home of Francisco Pizarro and all governors of Peru after.

Palacio de Gobierno at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Government Palace
Palacio del Gobierno on Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Government Palace

 

Archbishop’s Palace

Moving clockwise is the Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal). Built in 1924, it is the residence of the Archbishop of Lima, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lima, and the headquarters of the Cardinal of Lima. The building has beautifully constructed balconies along with several other impressive architectural elements.

Palacio Arzobispal at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Archbishop’s Palace
Palacio Arzobispal at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Archbishop’s Palace
Palacio Arzobispal at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Door knocker on the Archbishop’s Palace

 

Cathedral

Next to the Archbishop’s Palace is the Cathedral of Lima (Catedral de Lima). Built in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, it also contains Pizarro’s tomb. It had to be rebuilt after a 1940 earthquake.

Catedral de Lima at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Cathedral
Catedral de Lima at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Cathedral

 

South and West Sides

The Portal of the Button-makers (Portal de Botoneros), Palace of the Union (Palacio de la Unión), and Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal) all stand over Plaza Mayor to the south and west.

Portal de Botoneros at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Portal of the Button-makers
Palacio de la Unión at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Palace of the Union
Palacio Municipal at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Municipal Palace
Palacio Municipal at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Municipal Palace

 

Post Office

Behind Municipal Palace is the Post and Telegraph Office (Casa de Correos y Telegrafos). It also houses the Postal and Philatelic Museum (Museo Postal y Filatélico) and a small area lined with restaurants.

Casa de Correos y Telegrafos at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Post and Telegraph Office
Behind Palacio Municipal at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Behind Municipal Palace

 

Plaza Perú

Next to Municipal Palace and to the northwest of Plaza Mayor is another small plaza, Plaza Perú. There’s a fountain and a Peruvian flag next to a modern building.

Plaza Perú at Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru
Plaza Perú
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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