Plaza de la Independencia, Central public square in Historic District, Quito, Ecuador

Plaza de la Independencia is the central public square in Quito's historic district, featuring a monument to independence heroes at its center and surrounded by four important government buildings. The space has tree-lined paths and benches where visitors can sit and observe the activity around them.

The square originated in the 17th century as a simple dirt area with a water well, becoming Quito's principal gathering space over time. Its development reflects the city's growing role as the region's administrative and political center.

The square's colonial name, Plaza Grande, survives in everyday speech, and the palm trees facing the Archbishop's Palace date from the French-style garden laid out under President Gabriel García Moreno. The central monument replaced a fountain moved to the square's southwest corner; the earlier fountain was sent to Sangolquí.

The square is easy to reach by public transport since the Trole bus station sits one block away. The four surrounding streets provide multiple entry and exit routes depending on where you are headed.

The square's water fountain, installed in 1564 under governor Hernando Salazar, was replaced around 1890 by a monument to Isabella the Catholic; the discarded fountain was sent to the central square of Sangolquí, where it still stands. The independence monument by Francisco Durini, based on sketches by Juan Bautista Minghetti and Lorenzo Durini Vasalli, took its place in 1906.