Favorite thing: This square was located in the historic center of Lima. The monument in the middle was commissioned by the Peruvian government to commemorate the Battle of Callao which occurred on May 2, 1866 between a Spanish fleet under the command of Admiral Casto Méndez Núñez and an alliance of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador, in the Peruvian port city of Callao during the Chincha Islands War.
The Spanish fleet bombarded the port of Callao (or El Callao), but eventually withdrew without any major damage to the city structures. In the aftermath, the Peruvians celebrated the battle as a victory, claiming that they had stopped the Spanish from trying to re-colonize South America. On the other hand, since Spain had not yet recognized Peru as an independent nation, the Spanish claimed the battle as a Spanish victory since the intention was to punish Peru, not invade it.
The central monument was constructed in France and arrived in Lima between 1873 and 1874. The monument had to be reassembled and erected in a square that had previously been known as the Oval of the Queen. It had been one of the gates of the city. Buildings of Haussmann influence were popular along the avenues that led to this square. In the late 20th century a tunnel was constructed under the plaza so as to relieve vehicular congestion.
Written Feb 17, 2009
Favorite thing: At the center of the Plaza Mayor, there is a magnificent ornamental bonze fountain, fused by Antonio Rivas, dating from 1650, and bearing the coats-of-arms of Lima, Spain, and of the Viceroy Conde de Salvatierra. However there is so much else going on in the square that I only have one photo of this fountain - I hardly noticed it.
But there are other fountains and art and statuary in Lima. Some like the statue in St. Martin's square traditional (photo 4), and some modern (photo 5)
Updated Feb 6, 2009
Favorite thing: I have just returned from Peru,and taxi fare can be 10 soles or $3.50 and it will take you 25-30
mins.Enjoy Lima,it is a great city
Tour the Franciscan Monestary and get a private tour guide ,you will see more than the general tour.Great tour of life and death.No photos aloud but you might be able to sneak one or two with a private guide
Fondest memory: The friendly people always ready to help and despite all reports of safety,not once did i feel threatened.Every day there was something new happening or something new to see.Another great tour is the Saint Christofer hill above Lima,but take the advice of the guide giving commentary on safety travelling up the hill.( it is safe)
Written May 8, 2008
Favorite thing: There are many wonderful wooden balconies in the centre of Lima. The most impressive are in the Plaza de Armas, but if you wander around you will see many others, not so well preserved, but beautiful too.
Covering the balconies with wooden bars let the people living in the house gaze the people passing by in the streets without being seen from the outside...
Written May 23, 2005
Favorite thing: Well, it was one of those rainy days ...
(in fact, it is not *rain*, it is garúa or llovizna which means that the relative humidity is 100 por cent, and when the temperature falls the air cannot hold the water, which then falls out in a form similar to rain)
... I mean, to you it will make no differens if it is rain or lluvizna, as long as you get wet.
This garúa is most frequent during the winter period (in June-July-August), when the weather in Lima not is at its best.
Written May 13, 2003
Favorite thing: In this beautiful building you will find the central post office and some small shops with postcards, souvenirs etc.
Jr Camaná 195, near Plaza de Armas
Open Mon-Fri 7.30 A.M - 7 P.M, Sat 7.30 A.M - 4 P.M.
Written Feb 25, 2003
Favorite thing: See the Plaza de Armas. This is Lima's power base. The Presidential Palace is here, and so is the Lima Cathedral. It is also flanked by governemnt buildings in one side of the square. Peru's spiritual,political and economic well-being are being shaped around this plaza
Fondest memory: Driving along the Pacific coast of Lima. Lima's air pollution can be oppresive, the sea breeze is invigorating. It was a great relief to see the ocean after trekking around the interiors of South America.
Written Aug 26, 2002
Favorite thing: Visit the museums and walk on the Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor and around...then, after that, there is nothing to see !
Fondest memory: Do not stay in LIMA more than one day.
Go to Miraflores, just near the beach.
walk in Miraflores , on the beach.
Written Aug 26, 2002
Favorite thing: Walking around the historical center you will find the streets signed with this nice old looking tiles, that indicate the street's present name and the old one as well.
Written Sep 22, 2005
Favorite thing: with the John Paul panel memorial
Written May 6, 2005
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with the John Paul panel memorial
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