Plaza Bolivar (Bolivar Square), Lima

If you are fascinated with history and have a passion for historic places, then Bolivar Square in Lima is the right place for you. Previously known as the Inquisition Square and Congress Square, Bolivar Square is found in the downtown part of Lima, known as Barrios Altos. It lies two blocks away from Abancay Avenue and three blocks east of Main Square.

Presiding over the square is the Legislative Palace - the seat of the Peruvian Congress, - formerly the Inquisition Tribunal. It is from here that the infamous Inquisition Tribunal operated up until 1813 under the reign of viceroys.

In 1859, the square assumed the name of Bolivar Square and had a replica of the Simon Bolivar monument installed in the middle. Simon Bolivar played a key role in the history of South America, and is largely responsible for the liberation of five South American nations that include Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama. Bolivar went down in history as a person of spirit, endurance, sacrifice and tremendous compassion for his fellow countrymen. Bolivar Square commemorates the great freedom fighter in South America.

During the national holidays, Bolivar Square becomes the site of public gatherings and military parades. For the rest of the year, despite its historical and political significance, the square remains rather quiet and an excellent place for relaxation under the lush canopy of the old trees.