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Square · Huancayo, Junín
Constitution Square
Huancayo's main square, in the city center, with the neoclassical cathedral and the monument to Ramón Castilla, who there decreed the abolition of slavery in 1854. The name recalls the oath to the Constitution of Cádiz in 1813.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Constitution Square
Huancayo does not have a Plaza de Armas like other Peruvian cities: the main square is called Constitución. It originated as Plaza del Comercio on land donated by neighbors and received its current name in 1813, when residents there swore allegiance to the liberal Constitution of Cádiz, promulgated in Spain the previous year.
Since then the square has been the religious, civic and commercial center of the city. In 1839, the Congress convened in Huancayo approved a new Constitution of Peru, promulgated in this square. In December 1854, Marshal Ramón Castilla decreed in Huancayo the abolition of slavery of Afro-Peruvians; a monument in the center of the square commemorates the event.
On the west side stands the cathedral, built between 1799 and 1831 and elevated to cathedral status in 1955. The building is neoclassical and houses paintings of the Cusco school. The square is part of Huancayo's monumental area, declared a historic monument in 1989.
A few blocks away, Parque Huamanmarca marks the site of the Spanish founding of the city in 1572, and it was there that the Sunday market was born, which gathered artisans from the valley provinces.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one hour for the square, the cathedral and a walk to Parque Huamanmarca.
Best time
In the morning, when the cathedral is usually open and the square is active with locals. The cathedral may close for masses and ceremonies; check before you go.
How to get there
It is in the center of Huancayo and is reachable on foot from any hotel in the central area. By taxi, ask for "Plaza Constitución."
Tip
Combine it with Parque Huamanmarca, the city's founding square a few blocks away. On Sundays the city has its traditional Sunday market.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Constitution Square
Why is Huancayo’s main square called Constitución?
Because in 1813 the residents there swore allegiance to the liberal Cadiz Constitution. Before it was called Plaza del Comercio.
What to see at Huancayo’s Plaza de la Constitución?
The neoclassical cathedral, built between 1799 and 1831, with paintings from the Cusco school, and the monument to Ramón Castilla, who decreed the abolition of slavery in Huancayo in 1854.
Where was the city of Huancayo founded?
In the present-day Parque Huamanmarca, a few blocks from Plaza de la Constitución, on June 1, 1572.