PLAZA MAYOR - PLAZA DE ARMAS

It's probably one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and as is often the case, it's here that the marks of political and religious power are concentrated (cathedral, town hall and seat of government). It's a place of enchantment: this is where Francisco Pizarro created the city, using his rapier to draw a checkerboard pattern for the streets. The government palace was built on the ruins of the home of Tauli Chusco, cacique of the Rímac; the cathedral on the site of the Inca temple dedicated to the puma; and the Cabildo, the city council, replaced the home of an Inca envoy. The plaza was the scene of all the country's political events, starting with the assassination of the city's founder on the steps of his palace. The plaza also served as an arena for bullfights (the first took place in 1540) and public executions.

Every day at 12 noon, crowds flock to the gate to watch the changing of the guard to the sound of El condor pasa. Next to the palace, the equestrian statue of Pizarro crowds the small square of the same name. At the other corner, don't miss the Casa del Oídor with its long green balcony, the oldest house in the square, and the Palacio Episcopal with its carved wooden balconies. On another side, facing the cathedral, the Municipalidad, rebuilt in 1944 in neo-colonial style, is a handsome building with wooden balconies. A popular festive atmosphere and numerous folkloric events at weekends or during national events.