Praza de Cervantes

The stone cross in the center of the Praza de Cervantes bears the image of the saint himself, facing the old town. For centuries, this plaza served as the main market square of Santiago de Compostela. The city council held its meetings in the building with the prominent clock tower on the north side. In sixteen seventy-two, a fire gutted the town hall, leaving only the stone walls standing. City officials moved their operations elsewhere, and the square became a quieter place to trade grain.