Arco del Puente

The Arco del Puente was a stone arch marking the entrance to the Stone Bridge and connecting Lima's center with the Rimac district through an ornate wooden structure. The arch housed a monumental clock installed in 1852 that illuminated both sides and served as a public timekeeper for the city.

The structure was built in 1700 during the Viceroyalty period and served as a gateway until it burned down in 1879 during the War of the Pacific. These dates mark the beginning and end of its existence as a city landmark.

The structure displayed royal Spanish emblems alongside Peru's national coat of arms, marking the shift from colonial rule to independence in its symbolic decoration.

The site is located between Lima's center and Rimac district in an area that is challenging to access today. Since the structure no longer stands, visiting historical archives or museum collections can help you learn more about what once existed there.

In 1738 the structure featured a bronze statue of King Philip V created by sculptor Baltazar Gavilan. This statue was destroyed during the 1746 earthquake and disappeared from the city landscape forever.

Location: Lima District

Inception: 1700

GPS coordinates: -12.04382,-77.02983

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03