Plaza BolívarAbout Plaza Bolívar
Also known as Congress Square or Inquisition Square, Plaza Bolívar sits at the second block of Avenida Abancay in the Barrios Altos area, within Lima’s historic centre. It is closely tied to Peru’s national political life because it fronts the Legislative Palace, seat of the Congress of Peru.
The square’s other name, Inquisition Square, points to the site’s layered past: the nearby Former Tribunal of the Inquisition building once housed the tribunal and later the senate. Today it functions as a museum, making the plaza a convenient starting point for learning about parts of Peru’s institutional and social history.
As a public square in a central district, it works well as a short stop while walking between landmarks in the historic centre, with architecture and civic buildings forming the main character of the visit.
What to See at Plaza Bolívar
- The Legislative Palace, the seat of the Congress of Peru, facing the square.
- The Former Tribunal of the Inquisition building, now a museum, associated with the square’s alternative name.
- Views along Avenida Abancay from the square’s edge, giving a sense of the surrounding historic centre.
- The square itself as a civic space within Lima’s heritage-listed historic core.
Nearby Attractions to Plaza Bolívar
Best Time to Visit Plaza Bolívar
Go in daylight for clearer views of the surrounding buildings and for walking between sites in the historic centre. Weekdays can be busier around the Congress area, so a quieter visit is often easier outside peak working hours.
Weather & Climate near Plaza Bolívar
Plaza Bolívar's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 13°C to 27°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 19° - 26° | 22° | 3 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.0 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.6h |
| February | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 1 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.7 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.4h |
| March | Ideal | 19° - 27° | 23° | 1 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Ideal | 17° - 25° | 21° | 1 mm | some cloud | 71% | 3.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| May | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 3.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| June | Very Good | 14° - 21° | 17° | 4 mm | overcast | 66% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.3h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 17° | 5 mm | overcast | 64% | 2.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.3h |
| August | Very Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 4 mm | overcast | 61% | 3.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.6h |
| September | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 17° | 3 mm | overcast | 61% | 3.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 14° - 21° | 18° | 1 mm | overcast | 63% | 3.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| November | Excellent | 15° - 23° | 19° | 1 mm | overcast | 67% | 3.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.6h |
| December | Excellent | 17° - 25° | 21° | 1 mm | overcast | 72% | 3.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.7h |
How to Get to Plaza Bolívar
Plaza Bolívar is in central Lima, three blocks east of the main square in the historic centre, on Avenida Abancay in Barrios Altos. It is easiest to reach on foot as part of a walk through the historic centre.
If coming from other parts of Lima, head towards the city centre and then make your way to Avenida Abancay and the area by the Legislative Palace, local transport and taxis can drop you nearby depending on traffic and access controls.
Tips for Visiting Plaza Bolívar
- Combine it with a walk to Lima’s main square, as it is only a few blocks away.
- If you plan to visit the Former Tribunal of the Inquisition museum, check current opening times locally before you go.
- Allow extra time for traffic and possible restrictions around the Congress area, especially on working days.
- Keep your belongings secure as you would in any busy central district.