Cusco’s main square has wonderful energy and architecture. The Plaza de Armas of Cusco have colonial buildings are a reflection of the passage of the Spanish conquerors through the city. However, the square has its origin long before the conquest.
This square was chosen to begin the imperial city, which became the capital of the Inca empire.
Magic, beauty and history come together in this square, one of the most beautiful in Peru. If you plan to come to Cusco then we invite you to visit it. Read on to find out more about this beautiful city!
History of the Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Based on history, the Inca Garcilaso De La Vega wrote that Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo were the founders of the city of Cusco. It is said that the God Inti, father of Manco Cápac, entrusted them with the great mission of forming the Inca Empire.
The God Inti gave them a golden rod and told them that “they will form the Empire of the Incas where the rod sinks”. They traveled many kilometers until the rod suddenly sank when they were passing through a swamp.
Said swamp is now known as the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
The Plaza de Armas during the Spanish conquest
As it happened in the rest of Peru and America, the Spanish conquerors arrived in Cusco and destroyed everything.
After defeating the Incas, Pizarro’s men settled in their palaces in the square, destroyed their buildings and, on their ruins, created their own colonial mansions, as well as the cathedral and other religious temples.
In addition, they ordered the erection of various buildings in the area of the stream, ending it and thus separating the old square into three: the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza del Regocijo and the Plazoleta de la Merced.
BEFORE – Plaza de Armas of Cusco
The execution of Túpac Amaru II in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco
One of the most important and impressive episodes in the history of the Plaza de Armas in Cusco is the execution of Túpac Amaru II. This cusqueño, with both indigenous and Creole roots, began a rebellion against everything related to Spain and Europe.
Although it lasted only a few months (from November 4, 1780 to April 6, 1781), it brought with it thousands of deaths.
In 1781, Túpac Amaru II was captured and sent to Cusco.
There, both he and his family and companions were sentenced to execution. After seeing his family and friends murdered, the Spanish tied Tupac Amaru II’s arms and legs to four horses to dismember him.
However, the story goes that they were unable to kill him even in this way. Thus, the Spanish decided to cut off his head and expose it as a trophy in Cusco.
They did the same with other parts of his body, which they distributed throughout different areas of Peru as a warning to those who thought to rebel against the crown.
AFTER
Plaza de Armas of Cusco today
Despite this terrible episode, the main square of Cusco is one of the main tourist attractions of the city of Cusco.
Here there are various religious temples (the cathedral, the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and the Capilla del Triunfo), accompanied by beautiful portals with colonial arches.
If you are lucky, the Plaza de Armas will receive you with traditional events where you can learn about traditional dances and typical music and enjoy the traditions of Cusco, from pre-Hispanic times to the present.
In addition, in the Plaza de Armas you will find different restaurants, cafeterias and breweries where you can fully enjoy the flavors of Peru with beautiful views.
Open your eyes wide and observe every detail of this square, now you can know the stories that each of its corners hides!
LOCATION
Why choose Wayki Tre to going to Machu Picchu?
We’ve worked with hundreds of guides, cooks and porters, many of whom have gone on to start their own successful businesses.
Don't be told, live it! Wayki Trek is a Tour Company in Cusco, Peru specializing in Inca Trails to Machu Picchu, Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu and tours around Cusco region, with environmental and social responsibility always as a priority
Where to find us: Calle Quera 239, Cusco – Perú
Commercial Hours: From Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 18:00 pm / Sundays from 9:00 am to 13:00 pm (GMT -05: 00)
Contacts: For bookings: + (51) 932-235-450 For Trip Coordinations: + (51) 932-235-008 Emergencies: + (51) 984-693-474 / + (51) 932-235-008
WhatsApp: + (51) 932-235-450
WE ARE COMPROMISED TO GIVE THE BEST EXPERIENCE
Please select:
Customer
Travel Agency
Thanks for registering
Your information has been sent. Very soon, we will contact you.
Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Written by Wayki Trek, 01/07/2020 4:43 pm
The Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Cusco’s main square has wonderful energy and architecture. The Plaza de Armas of Cusco have colonial buildings are a reflection of the passage of the Spanish conquerors through the city. However, the square has its origin long before the conquest.
This square was chosen to begin the imperial city, which became the capital of the Inca empire.
Magic, beauty and history come together in this square, one of the most beautiful in Peru. If you plan to come to Cusco then we invite you to visit it. Read on to find out more about this beautiful city!
History of the Plaza de Armas of Cusco
Based on history, the Inca Garcilaso De La Vega wrote that Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo were the founders of the city of Cusco. It is said that the God Inti, father of Manco Cápac, entrusted them with the great mission of forming the Inca Empire.
The God Inti gave them a golden rod and told them that “they will form the Empire of the Incas where the rod sinks”. They traveled many kilometers until the rod suddenly sank when they were passing through a swamp.
Said swamp is now known as the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
The Plaza de Armas during the Spanish conquest
As it happened in the rest of Peru and America, the Spanish conquerors arrived in Cusco and destroyed everything.
After defeating the Incas, Pizarro’s men settled in their palaces in the square, destroyed their buildings and, on their ruins, created their own colonial mansions, as well as the cathedral and other religious temples.
In addition, they ordered the erection of various buildings in the area of the stream, ending it and thus separating the old square into three: the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza del Regocijo and the Plazoleta de la Merced.
BEFORE – Plaza de Armas of Cusco
The execution of Túpac Amaru II in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco
One of the most important and impressive episodes in the history of the Plaza de Armas in Cusco is the execution of Túpac Amaru II. This cusqueño, with both indigenous and Creole roots, began a rebellion against everything related to Spain and Europe.
Although it lasted only a few months (from November 4, 1780 to April 6, 1781), it brought with it thousands of deaths.
In 1781, Túpac Amaru II was captured and sent to Cusco.
There, both he and his family and companions were sentenced to execution. After seeing his family and friends murdered, the Spanish tied Tupac Amaru II’s arms and legs to four horses to dismember him.
However, the story goes that they were unable to kill him even in this way. Thus, the Spanish decided to cut off his head and expose it as a trophy in Cusco.
They did the same with other parts of his body, which they distributed throughout different areas of Peru as a warning to those who thought to rebel against the crown.
AFTER
Plaza de Armas of Cusco today
Despite this terrible episode, the main square of Cusco is one of the main tourist attractions of the city of Cusco.
Here there are various religious temples (the cathedral, the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús and the Capilla del Triunfo), accompanied by beautiful portals with colonial arches.
If you are lucky, the Plaza de Armas will receive you with traditional events where you can learn about traditional dances and typical music and enjoy the traditions of Cusco, from pre-Hispanic times to the present.
In addition, in the Plaza de Armas you will find different restaurants, cafeterias and breweries where you can fully enjoy the flavors of Peru with beautiful views.
Open your eyes wide and observe every detail of this square, now you can know the stories that each of its corners hides!
LOCATION
Why choose Wayki Tre to going to Machu Picchu?
We’ve worked with hundreds of guides, cooks and porters, many of whom have gone on to start their own successful businesses.
We are a local company, formed in 1998 by a group of experienced tour guides from different rural communities and with a vast professional experience.
Throughout our 20 years of operation, we have been pioneers in professionalizing the experience on the Inka Trail.
Make more than 18,000 clients from different parts of the world happy.
We work hard on the personal and professional development of our employees and the rural population.
As a result, many of our porters have been promoted to cooks and guides. Also, many of our guides today have their own travel agencies.
For more information, registrate here!
How to prepare for the InKa Trail after 50’s
7 Exercises That Help You Prepare For a Trek
ALTITUDE SICKNESS (SOROCHE)
Travel information