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Plaza Mayor

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akakd
akakd
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Government Palace

  • June 30, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Government Palace

The Government Palace or Palacio de Gobierno is the official Residence of the President of Peru. The initial structure was built by Francisco Pizarro as Governor in 1535, as a modest two-story pile of adobe. Then, it was used by the Viceroys of Peru. In this period it was enlarged from time to time and occupied by 43 Viceroys, beginning with Pizarro, and ending with Jose de la Serna, who was forced out in 1821.

During the following centuries, the exterior of the palace was not well maintained and there was much commercial activity on the adjacent streets. In 1884 the government decided to give the palace a more dignified and prestigious surrounding, and the commerce outside was prohibited. Late 1884, there was a fire in the government palace and a new building was built.

The palace has suffered from three fires, the biggest one in 1921. The palace of today shows the result of a big restoration of the old Pizarro palace together with a new facade, and it was inaugurated in 1938.

Every day at noon, the guard at the palace changes, in a ceremony similar to the event at Buckingham Palace. The uniforms, with the plumed hats and bright colors, make a great spectacle, as do the Peruvian guards themselves who employ a variety of steps and turns to get themselves into position. Initially we thought it odd that a martial band would play Simon and Garfunkel during such a serious ceremony. We learned In fact, they were playing the song "El Condor Pasa", written by a Peruvian in the 1940's but later borrowed by the American duo.

Tours of part of the building can be arranged a day in advance by booking at the building at the corner of Jiron Junin and Jiron de la Union. You need to have your passport with you. Visits include many of the rooms where the President conducts affairs of state. Unfortunately we were unable to do this. We were told that one of the highlights is the Golden Room where the walls are almost covered in intricate guilded designs. I’m told you can also make bookings at the tourist office outside the church at Miraflores. This is probably more convenient for most visitors who stay in this popular suburb.

From journal Around Lima's Main Square

Plaza Mayor

  • July 12, 2005
  • Rated 3 of 5 by akakd from , Arizona
Plaza Mayor

YELLOW is the color of Plaza Mayor, an active and attractive town square. If you can, time your visit for the Changing of the Guard in front of the palace. Also here is the Archbishop's Palace, with its beautiful wood balcony, and next to it, the cathedral, which contains Pizarro's remains. At the center of the square is a fountain with a trumpeting angel at the top.

From journal Picturesque Peru & Likable Lima

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