Parque Caldas, Central square in Popayán, Colombia.

Parque Caldas is the main square of Popayán, created with the city in 1537. At its center stands a statue of Francisco José de Caldas by French sculptor Raoul Verlet, unveiled in 1910 and surrounded by trees planted at the same time. The square is bordered by the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Archbishop's Palace, the 1673 Clock Tower, and the Cauca Government building.

Parque Caldas was laid out with the founding of Popayán in 1537, and the founders' houses and the seats of religious and government power rose around it. It first served as a market square. In 1538 a pillory was set up at its centre, where Jorge Robledo and Álvaro de Oyón were beheaded; it stood until 1766, when a water jet replaced it, followed in 1805 by a stone basin. In 1910 the basin gave way to Raoul Verlet's statue of Francisco José de Caldas, inaugurated for the first centenary of independence, when Guillermo Valencia delivered a speech in his honour. The square and the whole historic centre were declared a National Monument of Colombia in 1959.

The square's name honours Francisco José de Caldas, the scientist executed in 1816; his statue by Raoul Verlet was unveiled in 1910 for the centenary of independence, when Guillermo Valencia gave a speech. The four tiled water fountains were donated around 1935 by Popayán's Syrian, Jewish and Lebanese community when the surrounding streets were first paved.

Street vendors around the square sell regional snacks, fresh juices, and frozen treats, making it easy to grab food while exploring. Security staff are regularly visible, maintaining a safe environment for visitors throughout the day.

After dark, ground-level lights bathe the white colonial buildings in colors, transforming how the structures appear at night. This lighting effect completely changes the mood and character of the square once the sun sets.