Lima, Peru's capital, features a number of well preserved historical squares. The Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro established Lima at the Mayor Square around 400 years ago; and from here the city started to develop and transform into a huge metropolis. Today, the famous plazas offer an assortment of historical buildings, gorgeous fountains, and monuments.
1) Mayor Square
Plaza Mayor, or Plaza de Armas of Lima, is the historical starting point from which the city has since expanded. This large and beautiful square also features a fountain in the middle. Mayor Square's highlights include the Majestic Cathedral of Lima, Government Palace, and other wonderful buildings.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Victoria Alexandra González
2) Plaza Bolivar
The Plaza Bolivar is situated in the historical center of Lima. The location is also known as the Plaza of Congress or Plaza of the Inquisition. The plaza is a reminder of Peru's dark past, as the Tribunal of the Inquisition occurred here. Today, it's the Legislative Palace. Simon Bolivar, whose name the square carries, was the liberator of several countries in South America.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Ketzele
3) Square San Martin
Square San Martin is one of the symbols of the city. The square is very popular among tourists, as the most elegant and beautiful buildings of Lima surround this plaza. Also, the statue of General José de San Martín, created by a famous sculptor, and a nice fountain sit in the center of Square San Martin.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Sandro Heinze
4) Plaza Grau
Plaza Grau was established in honor of the Pacific War hero and famous captain of the Navy - Admiral Miguel Grau. A statue and fountain pay homage to Grau in the middle of the square. Tourists can also visit the Justice Palace, Art Museum, and Naval Heroes Park from Plaza Grau.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and rruiz3960
5) Francia Square
Francia Square's main highlight is the Recoleta Church. The church was built over a period of several different additions, and the various archaeological styles reflect the construction method. One may notice an example of French Gothic style, while another will cite Romanesque style. The church also is home to the Archaeological and Anthropological Museum of Natural History.
6) Plaza Dos de Mayo
The Plaza Dos de Mayo, translated in English, reads "May 2nd Square." The square is also located in the Historic center of the city. Plaza Dos de Mayo was established in the memory of the "Battle of Callao," which took place on May 2, 1866. Today, visitors come to admire a monument of the battle in the middle of the square.