### Controversial Return: Pizarro Statue Reinstated in Lima's Historic Center

A statue of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro was ceremonially reinstated in central Lima, commemorating the city's 490th anniversary. Originally removed over 20 years ago, the sculpture represents a contentious history, reflecting the divide in opinions regarding Pizarro's legacy. While some view him as a pivotal figure in Peru's establishment, others criticize him for his violent conquest and its devastating impacts on indigenous cultures.

The bronze statue, depicting Pizarro on horseback with a drawn sword, was a gift from American sculptor Charles Rumsey's widow for the city’s 1935 centennial. Following years of conflict over this representation, the statue was relocated in 2003 to a less visible area, suffering damage from train traffic in the process. At the recent unveiling in the Plaza de Armas, Lima's mayor Rafael López Aliaga and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of Madrid, emphasized the historical significance of the event, dubbing it a celebration of an intersection that changed history. However, nearby protests underscored the controversy, with indigenous leaders denouncing the statue as a painful reminder of colonial atrocities.