Every city, even the smallest one, has at least one attraction. In large old cities, these are places with rich history or modern tourist sites. In small provinces, they are modest architectural monuments. And in the Chilean city of Puente Alto, it is the Central city square. Even though this city is not a place of pilgrimage for millions of tourists, its attraction has its roots in the deep past. And the appearance of the square gives an unforgettable impression in the memory.

Puente Alto Square, also known as Manuel Rodríguez Erdoíza Square, is more than 200 years old. It remembers different times and events since the Chilean Revolutionary War. Hence, this square has a second name in honor of the Chilean patriot and national hero of the country, Manuel Rodríguez Erdoíza. His exploits as the main figure of partisan resistance during the Spanish Reconquista made him a legend. Subsequently, many streets and squares throughout the country were named after him. Throughout the colonial period, the entire caravans of merchants with many different goods stopped daily at this place for profitable deals. This was due to the favorable trade location of Puente Alto: it was located between the capital of Santiago and the mountain pass that led to Argentina.

The first mention of the square is found in the records of 1905. They describe events related to the construction of the square: the appearance of the first wooden stall as well as the planting of several trees along its perimeter. This happened thanks to the mayor of the city Juan de Dios Malebrán. The next ruler, Manuel Antonio Tocornal Grez, also contributed to the development of this significant place. In 1926, he placed stone slabs around the perimeter, thus marking its borders. But the biggest changes took place in 1953 when lights were installed on the square by decree of Mayor Jorge Valdivia Torres. At the same time, the Arab community living in Puente Alto presented the city with a bust of Manuel Rodríguez Erdoíza, which decorated the square until the monument appeared in 2006.