Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, as well as one of the most historic. This is a place that you must be on your visit to Cusco. Its colonial architecture buildings have a whole story to tell and the activities to be carried out in the square will surely delight you.
Did you already know her? Now we tell you more about it
History of the main square of Cusco
In Inca times, this square, called Huacaypata or Aucaypata, was the heart of the capital. Today it is the nerve center of the modern city. They usually wave the flags: the Peruvian red and white and the multicolored Tahuantinsuyo, which represents the four regions of the Inca Empire, although it is often confused with the gay banner.
The colonial portals surround the square, which was once twice as large because it also included the current Plaza Regocijo. In addition, on the northeast side stands the impressive cathedral, reached by a long staircase and surrounded by the churches of Jesús María and El Triunfo.
Meanwhile, on the southeast side, the Church of the Compañía de Jesús stands out for its beautiful ornamentation. Furthermore, the quiet pedestrian street of Loreto, famous for its Inca walls, serves as a historic entrance to the plaza.
The parade ground today
Much is still preserved from the Inca period, you can see many Inca walls that were used as foundations for Spanish buildings. All the colonial buildings like the churches still exist today.
Cusco, like many other tourist destinations, is not far from globalization, therefore there are many restaurants, bars, clubs, etc., which are very popular among world travelers.
Why is it called Plaza de Armas?
During the war between Peru and Spain at the beginning of the 19th century, the main squares of the cities in Peru used to be called Plaza Mayor as it is in Spain; but later those places were used as meeting points by the armed forces who obviously came with their weapons, that’s why it gradually changed its name to Plaza de Armas.
Historical facts in the main square
There are 2 most relevant historical events that took place here and changed the destiny of millions of people in Cusco, Peru and South America.
- The execution of Tupac Amaru I in 1572: He was the last Inca emperor who had taken refuge in Vilcabamba, was a rebel and never agreed with Spanish domination. He was captured in 1572 and taken to the city of Cusco to be executed by beheading.
- The execution of Tupac Amaru II in 1771: He was a descendant of Tupac Amaru I on his mother’s side, he was dismembered and thrown by 4 horses, then beheaded. His family was also completely wiped out, therefore today there is no noble blood family that is a royal descendant of the Inca emperors.
What to do in the parade ground?
Undoubtedly, around the main square you can visit many attractions and local restaurants, here we tell you a little:
Best Things to Do in Cusco Plaza de Armas at Night and During the Day
- You can choose to have some nice postcards in the central pool, donated by the city of New York, founded in 1870 in the Bronx of New York by Janes, Kirtland & Co (name of the company) and designed by a Frenchman named JP Victor Andre and finally sent to the city of Cusco in 1872.
- Visit the Stone of the 12 Angles: According to historians, the Stone of the 12 Angles is more than 500 years old. In addition, this large stone is embedded in an Inca wall and has 12 perfectly carved angles that fit exactly with the surrounding stones.
- As a result, it is considered one of the greatest examples of perfection and engineering created during the time of the Incas.
- Spend an incredible night in one of the bars in the city, without a doubt, Cusco nights are famous for being unforgettable. The bars and clubs in the city will not disappoint you.
- Tasting the best of local food in the restaurants in the Plaza de Armas is undoubtedly something that you should do. Options from Japanese food to 100% traditional food are within the portfolio of possibilities.
