Plaza Mayor (Central Park)

Planned in 1541 and paved in 1704, this was a place of great social importance, since it became the main meeting place in the city. However, its original design did not contain ornamental trees nor a central fountain as it has today. The changes happened with the passing of time. It was not until 1555 that the city had a water supply running through pipes. Years later the square had its first fountain, which was placed on one of its sides so as not to obstruct the activities held in the square. It was in 1739 when the current Fuente de las Sirenas (mermaids) was placed in the center of the square. It was the work of the city's major architect, Diego de Porres. Due to the deterioration caused by continued restorations made to the fountain, it had to be rebuilt in 1936 by the artist Oscar González Goyri. He substituted the original sirens, (that were irreversibly damaged), with the current ones. The originals are part of the treasures kept in the Museo de Santiago, located in the Palacio del Ayuntamiento.