Piura Landmarks and Monuments

(Piura, Peru)



Cathedral view, showing the beautiful architectureRemaining the very first Spanish city to appear in South America and officially founded in 1532, Piura is understandably brimming with quality landmarks and historical monuments, reflecting its age. The city's cathedral is one of the most impressive landmarks in central Piura and presides over the northern side of the Plaza de Armas, where it is conveniently close to various places of interest, including tourist bureaus, banks, cafes, shops and hotels.

As with many cities in Peru, the Plaza de Armas is central to life in Piura and forms both an important public space and landmark. The city's Plaza de Armas is actually amongst the most historic of its kind in the country and is especially appealing, being surrounded by all kinds of exotic trees and flowers, being typically Spanish in its appearance.


Further cathedral picture of the grand facade

Cathedral

Address: Plaza de Armas, Piura, Peru, PE
This cathedral offers a long and interesting history and is a very important landmark, being originally built on this very spot as far back as 1588. The side altar of the Virgin of Fatima was added during the 17th century and is known for its extravagant use of gold, as well as its 19th-century canvas of the 'San Martin de Porres', painted by acclaimed Peruvian artist Ignacio Merino.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free - donations suggested

Iglesia de San Francisco

Address: Jiron Lima, Piura, Peru, PE
Situated next to the River Piura (Rio Piura) and also the San Miguel Bridge, the Iglesia de San Francisco is a beautiful church and just a couple of minutes from the Plaza de Armas, which lies to the south-west. The Iglesia de San Francisco very much dominates the northerly stretch of the Jiron Lima and stands just above the Plaza Pizarro. This very famous landmark has played a significant part in the history of the city, being where independence was declared in January of 1821.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plaza de Armas photograph (Freedom Monument)

Plaza de Armas / Freedom Monument

Address: Plaza de Armas, Piura, Peru, PE
Over the years, many leading events and parades have been held around the Plaza de Armas square. Today, each Sunday morning, the national flag is hoisted high above the Plaza de Armas, as part of a weekly ceremony. In the heart of the square, the Freedom Monument (La Pola) dates back to 1980.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Picture of the Monumento Bolognesi (Bolognesi Monument)

Monumento Bolognesi (Bolognesi Monument)

Address: Bolognesi Roundabout, Avenida Loreto, Piura, Peru, PE
The Monumento Bolognesi is amongst the city's most prominent landmarks and is located on the southerly roundabout of the Avenida Loreto. Honouring Francisco Bolognesi Cervantes (1816 to 1880), a famous war hero who fought and died during the War of the Pacific, at its Battle of Dolores, the monument itself measures just over 2 metres / 6.5 feet and includes the image of a woman, complete with laurel crown.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Photo of the city's Monumento a Grau (Grau Monument)

Monumento a Grau (Grau Monument)

Address: Grau Roundabout, Avenida Loreto, Piura, Peru, PE
Close to the Supermercado Tusol and forming the centrepiece of a prominent roundabout along the Avenida Loreto, the Monumento a Grau stands directly to the north of the Monumento Bolognesi. This modern monument was erected to celebrate the life of Miguel Maria Grau Seminario (1834 to 1879), a much-loved Peruvian naval officer and war hero, who was born next door in Paita and is still fondly remembered for his contributions during the Naval Battle of Angamos, where he sadly lost his life. The monument stands on the Plaza Grau and is surrounded by palm trees, with two canons, two bronze figures and a further statue on the top, reaching with a sword and cross. A further monument to Grau is sited within Callao, a city suburb of Lima.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Universidad (University of Piura)

Address: Avenida Ramón Mugica 131, Piura, Peru, PE
Tel: +51 073 284 500
The University of Piura comprises two very separate and individual campuses. One of these is based within the city of Piura itself, while the other actually resides in the Peruvian capital of Lima, where it is located in its Miraflores neighbourhood. Founded in the late 1960s, the university has just over 3,000 students in total. Within the city of Piura, the university covers an impressive 320 acres / 130 hectares, much of which has been replanted with trees. The main schools include communications, economics, law and sciences.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free