On the opposite side to "La Scala", to the south-east, is the facade of Palazzo Marino, Milan's city hall.
Another relevant building on the square, on the north-eastern side, is the Palazzo della Banca Commerciale Italiana.
Most of the architecture of the square is due to architect Luca Beltrami, who designed the eponymous palace, the facade of Palazzo Marino, and the Banca Commerciale Italiana building.
The centre of the square is marked by the monument of Leonardo da Vinci by sculptor Pietro Magni (1872).
It was only in the late 19th century that the authorities of Milan initiated a thorough renovation of the area, which involved the creation of the square.