Located in barrio Centro, on its border with the Ciudad Vieja, the square has been used for numerous political demonstrations and official public events.

Prominent buildings facing the square include the Palacio Salvo, Solís Theatre, Estévez Palace, and Executive Tower.

For this reason, in 1837 the Ciudad Nueva ("New City") was designed, in which the architect Carlo Zucchi drew Independence Square, inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

In 1923, during the administration of President Baltasar Brum, a monument to General José Gervasio Artigas was inaugurated, which consists of a 17-meter bronze equestrian statue with a granite base sculpted by Angelo Zanelli.

[13][14] Plaza Independencia is the starting point of the Marcha de la Diversidad (Spanish for 'Diversity March'), an annual pride parade celebrating the LGBTQ community in Uruguay.