Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia), Quito

The Independence Square, universally known as the Plaza Grande, is the principal square of Quito's historic centre, framed by the presidential palace, the cathedral, the archbishop's palace and the city hall. At its centre stands a soaring monument to the heroes of the independence movement of 1809. Shaded benches, gardens and shoeshine stands make it a lively daily gathering place. As the civic heart around which the colonial city was planned, the plaza brings together the seats of government, church and municipal power in one ensemble.