3. SQUARE "LA CONSTITUCIÓN"

You are now in a historical square, Loja’s hub ever since the Arab city was built. It was the Arab market and, along with the public baths and the main mosque, formed the Arrabal: The quarter where the city’s public life would take place. In Christian times, it continued to be home to the main public buildings. 

 

The eastern part of the square was dedicated to trading. Butcher’s shops stretched from Caridad street to the real gate of Jaufín, at the end of the street. Blacksmiths were located in an alley at the beginning of Caridad street. The western part sheltered inns and taverns, the bread market, four municipal fishmonger’s and nine private ones, oil shops and the weighing area, where all goods were weighed again. The southern part was connected to the public baths, and the western part to the main church.

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All the national and local events throughout history have taken place in this square: public trials, festivals and parties, rebellions, and even bullfights.

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The main building, currently the Historical Interpretation Centre of Loja, was the first City Hall after the conquest and remained here until 1927, when it was moved to its current location at Narváez Palace. Between 1927 and 2001, it was home to the Municipal Library, its best-known use. This Renaissance building still keeps its original sundial. We can also see the horseshoe arch in the old prison houses marking the ascent to the neighbourhood of the Alcazaba (Moorish fortification) and separating both districts, although its original placement was on Cuesta del Señor (Our Lord’s Slope). In the middle of the square we are welcomed by one of the most international and distinguished locals ever: field marshal Narváez, leader of the Moderate Liberal Party and president of the Cabinet at least six times in Elizabeth II’s Spain (19th century). The square’s four-basin, four-pipe fountain is one of the most distinctive of the city and a highlight on the so-called Loja’s Water Route.