Plaza Mayor and Plaza San MartinA long pedestrian street crowded with shoppers, vendors and
sightseers connects Lima's two main plazas to each other. The heart
of the old town is centred on the striking Plaza Mayor, or Plaza de
Armas, gracefully colonial with its bronze fountain and old street
lamps. It was once the central marketplace, where bullfights were
held during Spanish rule. Surrounding the square are several
notable buildings, including the grand Spanish Baroque Cathedral,
occupying the site of an ancient Inca temple and housing the Museum
of Religious Art and Treasures; the impressive Government Palace
where the changing of the guard takes place; the Town Hall; and the
Archbishop's Palace sporting a beautiful wooden balcony. The Plaza
San Martin is an impressive square with a hive of activity
surrounding its central fountains; a busy area of shoe-shiners,
soapbox speakers, street artists and the site for political rallies
and rioting workers.
Address: Jr. Junin and Jr. Carabaya
Transportation: Buses marked Avenida Tacna go to within a few blocks of
either square |
