Callao Landmarks and Monuments

(Callao, Peru)

The various landmarks of Callao, both old and new, reflect the city's importance and place in Peruvian history, with its status being further elevated by its close relationship with nearby Lima. Monuments to important local heroes are ever present in Callao, celebrating the lives of leaders such as Simon Bolivar and Miguel Maria Grau.

Other important city landmarks include the National University of Callao, and also the pentagonal-shaped Fortaleza del Real Felipe. This impressive fortress stands on the Plaza Independencia, where it is also known as the Castillo de Real Felipe, the Fuerte Real Felipe and even the Castillo de la Independencia.

Castillo de Real Felipe / Fortaleza del Real Felipe

Address: Plaza Independencia, Callao, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 429 0532
The historical Castillo de Real Felipe fortress was constructed as long ago as 1747, using stone shipped here from the island of Lorenzo, being built to guard the city's coastline against the very likely possibility of pirate attacks. It was here in the 1820s, where the Spanish royalists made their final stand with Peru, during the famous battles of independence. Highlights within the fortress include the Museo del Ejército (Military Museum) and tall towers, as well as rather surprisingly both an assault course and football pitch.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge, discounts for students and children

National University of Callao

Address: Avenida Pope John Paul II 306, Callao, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 429 9740
One of the region's most important educational landmarks is without question the National University of Callao. Founded in September 1966, the city's university is now home to a total of 11 departments, which are split across 16 different schools. The main departments include accountancy, economics, management, nursing, science and various different aspects of engineering.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Monumento a Grau (Miguel Grau Monument)

Address: Plaza Grau, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 315 1300
The life and contributions of Peru's famous admiral, Miguel Maria Grau Seminario (1834 to 1879) and celebrated here. This enormous and hard-to-miss landmark dominates the Plaza Grau and was inaugurated in 1946, by Peru's president of the time. Miguel Grau was born in Paita, next to Piura, and is still remembered today for his contributions in the Peruvian navy and the part he played defending Peru during its war with Chile.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Monumento a Bolivar (Simon Bolivar Monument)

Address: Plaza Bolivar, Avenida Abancay, Cuadra 2, Lima, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 01 574 8000
This important bronze landmark depicts Bolivar, who was actually the sixth president of Peru (1824 to 1827) and an important leader of South American at that time. It was sculpted by the acclaimed Italian artist Adan Tadolini, who won a competition to create a local monument. Measuring some 4 metres / 13 feet and weighing over 20 tonnes, this statue of Simon Bolivar (1783 to 1830) shows him riding on rather animated horse, which is rearing up, and stands on a large and very ornate marble base. The Monumento a Bolivar is located on the eastern side of Callao, on the Plaza Bolivar, and was erected on this spot in 1874, amidst great celebration. Further monuments to Simon Bolivar are to be found within Centre Park in New York City and in Washington DC, as well as Chile, Colombia and also Venezuela.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free