Sotomayor Square, Central square in Valparaíso, Chile.

Plaza Sotomayor is a paved square in Valparaíso set on a stepped stone base, with a low black wrought-iron fence along its front edge. On the left, a white stone monument rises in tiers: a broad pedestal, a column, and a dark bronze figure at the top holding a flag or staff, with other bronze figures grouped lower. Behind stands a long neoclassical building with a pale grey facade, rows of windows, and a central clock tower topped by a small dome.

The square grew from reclaimed sealand beside Valparaíso's customs house, built by the English architect Juan Stevenson between 1831 and 1832. Known first as Plaza de la Aduana, then Plaza del Palacio and Plaza Intendencia, it took its present name from Rafael Sotomayor, a 19th-century minister of state. The monument to the fallen of Iquique was inaugurated on 21 May 1886, and on 23 January 1979 the square and its surrounding buildings were declared a Zona Típica.

The square's name honours Rafael Sotomayor, a 19th-century state minister and civilian hero of the War of the Pacific. Each year the naval glories parade is held here, and artistic and cultural activities take place on the plaza throughout the year. The first fire company in Chile, the Bomba Americana, stands on its eastern side.

The square sits at a central location reachable by buses and metro from anywhere in the city, making it easy to reach. Since the area sits at sea level below the steep hills of Valparaíso, be prepared for some elevation changes when approaching from other neighborhoods.

Beneath the square lie the remains of Valparaíso's first wharf, built over the frigate Valdivia after a storm on 10 June 1825 broke her cables and stranded her on the beach; the hull was filled with sand to serve as a base. The wharf remains are displayed in the underground museum created after the 2000 remodeling.