Huamanga Archos, Colonial plaza in Ayacucho, Peru.
Huamanga Archos is a colonial plaza in Ayacucho surrounded by covered arcades with red tile roofs and stone arches on all four sides. A monument to Antonio Jose de Sucre stands at the center, and fountains are positioned on the east and west edges.
The plaza was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro as the central hub of the newly established city. From its inception, it served as the heart of the colonial settlement and remains the administrative and social center today.
The Cathedral and Municipal Palace define the edges of this square and demonstrate its role as the religious and administrative center of the city. Together with the surrounding arcades, they create a unified space that shapes daily life and gatherings.
The plaza is accessible from several directions through Cuzco Avenue and various portals that connect it conveniently on all sides. Early morning or late afternoon visits are most pleasant, as temperatures are cooler and light is better for photographs.
This is the only plaza in Peru that preserves complete portals with columns and stone arches across all four perimeters. This architectural feature makes it a rare example of Spanish colonial urban design in the Americas.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
