The monumental statue in the center of the plaza, dedicated to president Gerardo Barrios, was made by Francisco Durini and inaugurated in 1909.

The project for the monument was conceived by brothers Antonio and Carlos Ezeta, with participation of educator Rafael Reyes.

The statue is placed on a pedestal of granite that shows battle scenes cast in bronze and the coat of arms of El Salvador.

The plaza is an important point of reference for the Salvadoran capital because it is surrounded by emblematic structures such as the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

[2] Currently, the plaza is the site of distinct activities of public and religious interest; it is the principal site for the celebration of the patron saint San Salvador during August, since it is where the procession dedicated to the Divine Savior of the World ends, typically called "la bajada".