Plaza de Armas de Arequipa
Arequipa's colonial main square, framed by stone arcades and the Basilica Cathedral, with El Misti volcano rising behind it.
- Address: Plaza de Armas, Arequipa
- District: Cercado, Arequipa
- Category: historic square
The Plaza de Armas has been the heart of Arequipa since the city's founding by Garci Manuel de Carbajal in 1540, and it's widely considered one of Peru's most beautiful main squares. Three sides are ringed by two-story sillar-stone arcades (portales) in a neoclassical style, their arches giving the whole plaza a sense of unity even though the buildings behind them were rebuilt at different times over the centuries. The north side is dominated by the Basilica Cathedral, whose long, white sillar facade -- lined with columns and topped by twin bell towers -- stretches across the entire block. The cathedral itself has been rebuilt more than once: a major fire in 1844 gutted much of the structure, and the 1868 earthquake caused further damage, so most of what stands today dates from the reconstruction that followed. On a clear day, the snow-capped cone of El Misti volcano is visible over the rooftops, framing the whole scene -- a view that's become one of the signature images of the city.
Highlights
- Neoclassical sillar-stone arcades (portales) wrapping three sides of the square
- Basilica Cathedral -- twin bell towers, a colonnaded facade spanning the full block, and a museum inside covering its rebuilding after the 1844 fire and 1868 earthquake
- Clear-day views of El Misti volcano rising behind the rooftops
- A central garden with palm trees, benches, and a bronze fountain -- the natural starting point for exploring central Arequipa on foot
Ideal for
- a first orientation walk in central Arequipa
- photographers -- especially early morning or golden hour for the volcano view
- travelers combining it with nearby Iglesia de la Compania and Santa Catalina
Practical information
- Hours
- The square itself is open at all times; the Basilica Cathedral is generally open to visitors daily, roughly 7:00am-11:30am and 5:00pm-7:30pm on non-mass hours (confirm current hours locally, as they shift around religious holidays)
- Price
- Free to enter the square; the cathedral museum charges a small entrance fee (a few soles), confirm current price on site
- Good to know
- The arcades are lined with cafes and restaurants with upper-floor balconies overlooking the plaza -- a good spot for a coffee while taking in the view of the cathedral and, on a clear day, El Misti.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to visit the Plaza de Armas?
Yes, the square itself is free and open at all times. Only the Basilica Cathedral's museum charges a small entrance fee.
What hours is the cathedral open to visitors?
Generally daily, roughly 7:00am-11:30am and 5:00pm-7:30pm outside of mass hours, though this can shift around religious holidays -- worth confirming locally.
When is the best time to see El Misti from the plaza?
Early morning or golden hour on a clear day, when the snow-capped volcano is most visible rising over the rooftops behind the cathedral.
How long should I spend at the Plaza de Armas?
A first pass takes 20-30 minutes, but it's worth lingering longer at one of the arcade cafes with a balcony view, especially if pairing it with nearby Santa Catalina and Iglesia de la Compania.
What's within walking distance of the plaza?
Iglesia de la Compania sits on its southeast corner, and Monasterio de Santa Catalina is a short walk away, making the plaza the natural starting point for exploring central Arequipa on foot.
What happened to the cathedral shown today?
The original structure was gutted by a fire in 1844 and further damaged by the 1868 earthquake, so most of what stands today dates from the reconstruction that followed.