Main Square of Arequipa

The Main Square is the most important urban space since the founding of Arequipa in 1540 by the Spaniard Garci Manuel de Carbajal, under the rule of Francisco Pizarro. Following the traditional pattern of Spanish colonial urban planning, the city is laid out in blocks with straight, orderly streets, with the main square serving as the central space for civic, religious, and commercial life.

The square was and continues to be a gathering place for celebrations, fairs, civic events, and cultural festivals, representing Arequipa’s identity through the centuries. To expand your cultural knowledge, I recommend taking a traditional city tour.

What to See in the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa and Its Imposing Sillar Façade

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is the most prominent architectural jewel of the square. Its original construction dates back to the 16th century, although it has undergone several restorations due to earthquakes and fires.

Sillar façade: monumental and perfectly symmetrical, made of white volcanic sillar stone, an unmistakable symbol of the city. Its style is mainly neoclassical, with columns, pediments, and carved details that reflect European influence adapted to the local context.

Interior: houses a majestic main altarpiece, colonial paintings, and valuable works of sacred art.

Fun fact: the cathedral was consecrated in 1656 and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Arequipa.

The Plaza Portals: Flores, San Agustín, and Municipal

These portals are arched corridors that border three sides of the square, each with its own style and social function:

• Flores Portal

A classic space with semicircular arches and traditional balconies. Ideal for cafés and handicraft shops, it is a perfect place to observe local life.

• San Agustín Portal

With harmonious architecture and elegant arcades, it connects to the church of the same name and evokes colonial urban planning.

• Municipal Portal

Located in front of the Municipal Palace, it is a common meeting point for locals and tourists, featuring ornamental details worth stopping to admire.

These portals not only beautify the square but also reflect centuries of gatherings, commerce, and cultural activities.

The Bronze Fountain and the Legend of “Tuturutu”

At the center of the square stands a large bronze fountain, richly ornamented and featuring classical figures.

The Tuturutu Legend
It is said that the sound of the water resembled a “tutu-tutu” noise, which locals interpreted as a festive or magical call. This popular legend is now part of the city’s urban imagination and reinforces the square’s playful and social character.

The Churches of La Compañía and San Agustín: Art and Devotion Beside the Square

Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía)

• An exquisite example of Baroque architecture, with a finely carved sillar stone façade and an interior featuring ornamental details that blend American and European styles.

• A must-see for those seeking religious art and visual beauty just steps from the plaza.

San Agustín Church

• Sober yet elegant in style, representative of viceregal religious architecture. Its façade and nave invite contemplation and offer a meaningful contrast to the cathedral’s monumentality.

History and Architecture of the Main Square

The layout of the square has remained faithful to the Hispano-American model: a large rectangular space surrounded by portals and administrative and religious buildings.

Key features:

• Symmetry and proportion: creating a unique sense of visual balance.
• Mixed use: marketplace, proclamations, religious celebrations, and civic events.
• Stylistic evolution: sillar stone allowed the development of façades with local volumes and ornaments that enrich the urban aesthetic.

Why Is Arequipa White?

The entire city has this distinctive color due to the use of sillar, a lightweight volcanic stone that is white or light gray, extracted from the Chili River Valley and nearby volcanoes such as Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

Advantages of sillar:

• Easy to carve and shape.
• Excellent earthquake resistance.
• Bright aesthetic that enhances the city, especially under sunlight.
• The presence of sillar is so strong that Arequipa is known as the White City.

Importance of the Plaza as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The historic city of Arequipa was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2000 due to its unique architecture and preservation of colonial urban planning. The Plaza de Armas is the symbolic and physical core of this designation.

UNESCO recognized:

• The urban integrity of the historic center.
• The use of sillar stone in buildings and monuments.
• The preservation of civil and religious structures from the colonial period.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Location and How to Get There

The Plaza de Armas of Arequipa is located in the heart of the Historic Center, surrounded by main streets, churches, cafés, and shops, making it easily accessible from anywhere downtown.

From Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP):
– Taxi or ride-hailing apps (such as InDrive, Yango, or TaxiTel) take approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
– Use apps or agree on a fare in advance for a fair and safe price.

From the bus terminal:
The Plaza is about 10–15 minutes away by taxi or shared transport from any bus terminal in Arequipa.

Best Restaurants and Balconies with Cathedral Views

The Plaza and its surroundings are full of dining options, from traditional local cuisine to contemporary proposals and terraces with views of the monumental sillar complex and the Misti Volcano.

With views of the Plaza and the Cathedral

• Il Caffè Della Nonna – Italian cuisine with an elegant atmosphere near the portals.
• La Plaza Bar & Grill – Ideal for lunch or dinner with a direct view of the plaza from the Flores Portal.
• La Terraza on the Top – Elevated terrace with excellent panoramic views.
• Waya Lookout Rooftop – Relaxed rooftop with wide views.
• Primera Playa Rooftop Restobar – Gastrobar with an urban perspective from above.

Other popular options nearby

• Chicha by Gastón Acurio – Contemporary high-end Peruvian cuisine.
• Zig Zag – A classic Arequipa restaurant with local and international menus.
• MASH Restaurante – Creative Peruvian cuisine.
• El Fuego de San Antonio – Traditional flavors.
• Kao Thai and Peruvian Cuisine – A fusion of regional and Asian flavors.
• Pasta Canteen or La Tasca – More casual and affordable options.
• 13 Monjas and Claustro – Nearby classics for traditional breakfasts or lunches.

Safety and Tips for Exploring the Historic Center at Night

The Plaza and tourist areas of the historic center are generally safe, especially between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with plenty of people and activity.

Basic precautions:

• Keep your belongings close and monitored.
• Avoid very deserted or poorly lit streets outside tourist routes.
• Use ride-hailing apps for nighttime transportation.

Walking in pairs or groups at night is always more comfortable and safer, even in calm areas.

Activities and Events at the Plaza de Armas

The Plaza is not only architecturally beautiful but also a center of cultural and social life:

Arequipa Anniversary – August 15:
The city celebrates with parades, folk dances, live music, gastronomic activities, and contests that fill the plaza with color and tradition.

Independence Day (July 28–29):
Although celebrated nationwide, Arequipa hosts special civic ceremonies and cultural events in the plaza, often accompanied by bands and local performances.

Cultural events and music:
Throughout the year, it is common to find free concerts, artisan fairs, and traditional dance performances in front of the cathedral.

Night Lighting and the Best Spots for Photography

Tips for stunning photos

• From restaurant and café balconies or terraces.
• Under the portal arches, framing the square.
• Walking toward nearby streets to capture the plaza with the Misti Volcano in the background.

Bring a compact tripod if you plan nighttime sessions, and always stay hydrated, as the altitude can be more tiring than usual.

We look forward to welcoming you on your next travel route, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru — more than a trip, an experience.