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Independence Square (San Sebastian Square)
Loja and surrounding
Squares, Parks, Gardens
Squares, Parks, Gardens

The central square of Loja has more than one name. Initially, it was named San Sebastián Square because it was located near a namesake temple that was the biggest and the most beautiful in the city for several centuries. But later, in the 19th century, after significant historical events, it received a new name – Independence Square. So, both placenames are still used by locals, thus causing troubles for tourists.

San Sebastián Square is magnificent. It is surrounded by colonial buildings with wide portals, carved wooden balconies and ledges. For many centuries, locals conducted important meetings here, announced new decrees, celebrated municipal holidays, and arranged fairs. And on 18 November 1820, the place witnessed the announcement of the city’s independence, after what it received its second name, Independence Square (Plaza de la Independencia).

The Loja Independence Monument, which is also called the Clock Tower of San Sebastián, dominates the modern architectural ensemble. This 32-meters structure in the Art Deco style was erected in 1950. That was when it was popular to put huge clock-faces on tall towers, and the new Loja monument wasn’t an exception.

The tower pedestal, richly decorated, narrates the history of the city. Each carving is a part of an epoch, and the whole composition can be called a trip to the past. There are times when the Maya civilization first appeared in the area. Another side reveals the conquest of the country by Spanish conquistadors. Further on, you see the declaration of independence. And finally, the creation of a federal government. The work is very symbolic. Probably, that is why the Clock Tower is considered the main monument of the city.

In addition to the tower, the square houses an ancient temple, some government buildings in the colonial style, and a spectacular fountain decorated with beautiful drawings of local artists.

As in ancient times, the square hosts the main cultural events of the city: concerts, holidays, fairs, and festivals. You should come here to see how the city was changing and how naturally old architectural gems can blend in with modern-styled monuments.

Address: Plaza de San Sebastián

Published by

Diane Mikheeva

All content and media files are published under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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