Plaza Mayor, Lima, Main historic square in Lima, Peru

Plaza Mayor is a large public square in the historic center of Lima, surrounded by colonial buildings with balconies and arcades. The layout has a rectangular shape and is shaded by palm trees, with paved pathways running between lawns and seating areas.

Francisco Pizarro founded the Plaza Mayor on 18 January 1535, planting the rollo (gallows) at its centre and laying out the city grid from this square. The first water fountain was inaugurated on 21 October 1578 under Viceroy Francisco de Toledo; the present fountain replaced it on 8 September 1651 under Viceroy García Sarmiento de Sotomayor. In 1821 José de San Martín proclaimed Peru's independence here.

The square takes its name as the city's main center and serves today as a gathering point for public assemblies and celebrations. On Sundays and holidays, families and visitors meet to observe the ornate facades of the surrounding buildings.

The square is freely accessible at all hours, with the best time to visit in late morning or early evening when the light is more favorable. Those wishing to see the guard change at the Government Palace should arrive about fifteen minutes early to secure a good viewing spot.

The fountain at the centre was inaugurated on 8 September 1651 by viceroy García Sarmiento de Sotomayor, Count of Salvatierra, replacing an earlier fountain built under viceroy Francisco de Toledo and inaugurated on 21 October 1578. The first fountain had eight pipes and a ball at the top bearing the city's seal.