The main square of Popayán, named for the 18th-century scientist and patriot Francisco José de Caldas, born here. Royal palms, manicured beds, benches under shade — the social centre of town. The cathedral stands on the north side; the Centro Cultural Universitario, the old colonial cabildo, and the famous Clock Tower complete the surrounding buildings.
Locals meet here in the cool of the evening; on weekends street vendors sell masato (a fermented rice drink) and empanadas de pipián, the local potato-and-peanut empanadas. Sit on the benches and watch the procession.