The Plaza de Armas, also called the Plaza Mayor, is the cradle of Lima. This is where Francisco Pizarro founded Lima in 1535, making it the oldest square in the city. The historic grandeur is reflected in the buildings around the square, such as the Palacio de Gobierno, the Palacio Arzobispal and the Cathedral.
During the colonial period, the Plaza de Armas was the economic and cultural heart of Lima. Through the centuries it served as the setting for many religious celebrations, markets and bull fights. The square is still very lively today and is a great place to get into the spirit of historic Lima. On warm days, people come together to stay cool around the unique bronze fountain, the pièce de resistance in the centre of the square.
Lima Cathedral is one of the city’s best-known buildings. In 1535 Francisco Pizarro laid the first stone for the first church built at this site, which was later destroyed by an earthquake. The current Cathedral dates back to 1746 and includes both baroque and neoclassical features. When visiting, note the beautifully arched ceiling and the mosaic-decorated tomb of Pizarro.
Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Palacio Arzobispal. This archiepiscopal palace is lavishly decorated with precious materials such as cedar, mahogany and tiles from Seville. The first floor is used for exhibitions featuring religious art, and the second is set up with antique furniture and still used by the Archbishop of Lima to perform his official duties.