The Government Palace occupies the north side of the Plaza Mayor on the site of Pizarro's own residence — the conquistador was assassinated here by rivals in 1541. The current building, in a heavy French neocolonial style, was completed in 1938 after the previous palace burned down. It is both the office of the President of Peru and a working ceremonial palace.
The changing of the guard at 11:45 each morning is the main draw for visitors — full-dress hussars in red and gold tunics with brass helmets parade in the inner courtyard and the central forecourt, accompanied by a military band. Interior tours of the state rooms are available with prior booking, but the parade can be watched freely from the railings outside.