Trujillo Highlights: Pizarro’s City, Palaces & Medieval Castle

Set off the tour at the Main Square to admire the exceptional showcase of Renaissance architecture with a skyline of towers, turrets, and crenellations. Nestling between the stately facades are charming little boutiques, bars, and cafes. Interestingly, the history of the city seems to revolve around the most famous Trujillo-born conquistador Francisco Pizarro, whose large equestrian statue dominates the center of the square.

Located on the southwest corner of the square is the Palace of the Marquis of the Conquest. On his conquest of Peru, Francisco got married to an Inca princess. This mansion built for his brother proudly boasts the family’s glorious history with the intricate carvings of Fernando brothers and their Inca wives, the family shield, the walls of Cuzco (in present-day Peru), and Pizarro's ships.

Next, pass by the Palace of Orellana-Pizarro, owned by one of Francisco Pizarro’s cousins who was the first Major of Cuzco. The building captivates onlookers with an attractive Plateresque patio in front of a lovely Renaissance arched doorway flanked by two imposing towers from the 14th century.

Go on to stroll through the maze of cobbled alley paths to discover the hidden ancient Trujillo Pool. The 14-meter stonework equipped with a descending staircase for collecting water and cleaning was in use back when Arabs ruled the city.

Continue to visit the Triumph Gate. A legend had it that the Virgin of Victory, the patroness saint of the city whose statue is surmounted on the wall facing the city, appeared at the gate to encourage the Christian troops in their definitive reconquest of Trujillo against the Arabs.

Move on to the 13th-century Church of Santa María la Mayor. The mainly Gothic church was the site of tombs of leading Trujillo families from the Middle Ages. The highlight of all the treasures is a magnificent 15th-century altarpiece composed of twenty-five exquisite paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ.

After that, walk by the ruins of the Monastery of San Francisco the Real. The quaint-looking former convent with imposing evergreen-covered stone walls was the scene of the affair between Gonzalo Pizarro and the humble servant Francisca González Mateos, who gave birth to the legendary conqueror Francisco Pizarro.

Save the best for the last: the enormous fortification of Trujillo Alcazaba. Located on a hill looming over vast plains, the medieval citadel silently witnessed aggressive battles between the Christians and Arabs, leaving the site with such a historical ambiance. Strolling along the length of the seemingly impenetrable walls offers fabulous views across Trujillo and the sprawling countryside as well as a glimpse into the turbulent history.