Plaza Colón is the main square of Antofagasta, anchored by a clock tower built in 1910 to mark a century of Chilean independence. The tower bears a notable resemblance to Big Ben in London — a nod to the strong British influence during Antofagasta's nitrate mining heyday. The British community donated the tower, and it remains the city's most recognizable landmark.
The plaza itself is a pleasant place to sit, shaded by trees and surrounded by restaurants and shops. The old customs house and former railway station are both within a short walk.