Located on the northern side of the Plaza Mayor in Lima along the Rímac River, the stately Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) serves as the seat of Peru's executive branch and the official residence of the president. Built over an important sacred indigenous huaca site where Taulichusco once lived, the original structure was erected in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro.
After historic fires destroyed earlier iterations, the current Neo-Plateresque and Neo-Baroque building was constructed between 1926 and 1938 by architects Claude Antoine Sahut Laurent and Ricardo de Jaxa Malachowski. Visiting this historic site allows you to witness the daily Changing of the Guard performed by ceremonial units of the Peruvian Armed Forces.
Inside, you can admire lavishly designed rooms, including the Jorge Basadre Room featuring marble columns and two presidential carriages used until 1974. Highlights also include the Sevillian Patio with its Spanish glazed tiles, the Versailles-inspired Golden Hall showcasing gold leaf reliefs and pink marble columns, the Neo-Colonial Túpac Amaru II Room, and the grand Peace Room dining hall with its 4,400-pound Bohemian quartz crystal chandelier.
What to see at Government Palace
- Observe the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony performed by Peruvian Armed Forces units.
- View two historical presidential carriages displayed inside the marble-columned Jorge Basadre Room.
- Explore the Sevillian Patio, featuring glazed tiles from Seville showcasing historical coats of arms.
- Admire the grand Golden Hall inspired by Versailles, complete with gold leaf reliefs and crystal chandeliers.
- See the Peace Room dining hall, framed by carved wooden beams and a 4,400-pound quartz crystal chandelier.
Visiting tips
Plan your visit to the Plaza Mayor around the ceremonial guard units' daily Changing of the Guard outside the palace.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Around midday
How to get there & what’s nearby
Government Palace is easy to reach on Lima’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Cathedral of Lima. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lima travel guide.
See the full Lima travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.