Arco Morisco, Triumphal arch in Lima, Peru
Arco Morisco was a cement arch that stood at the entrance of Leguía Avenue, rising about 29 meters (95 feet) high. The structure featured two minarets and incorporated majolica decoration with star and crescent patterns throughout its surface.
The monument was built in 1924 to celebrate Peru's independence anniversary, with its formal opening on July 17 of that year. In 1939, the arch was destroyed by explosives to make room for widening Arequipa Avenue.
The arch displayed Moorish architectural details with majolica stars and crescents that reflected how Spanish colonialism shaped Lima's urban style in the early 1900s. These decorative elements blended European building traditions with designs inspired by Islamic art.
The original structure no longer stands, but visitors can see a reconstructed version built in 2001 at Maria Graña Ottone Friendship Park. You can visit the replica to understand the original design and its place in the city's history.
The original was destroyed by explosion in 1939, making it one of Lima's few landmarks that completely vanished from the city. The 2001 replica keeps the memory of this forgotten structure alive and shows visitors what it once looked like.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
