Located in the heart of historic St. Augustine, the Plaza de la Constitución is the oldest public space in America. In 1573, the plaza was laid out by royal Spanish ordinances which required that the rectangular plaza be oriented to the primary compass points and as the center for public activity, government buildings like the treasury, Cathedral Basilica, and Governor’s House were to face the plaza.

The plaza earned its proper name from the obelisk that was erected to celebrate the Spanish Constitution of 1812. Other monuments located in the park include a tribute to American Revolution prisoners, one to honor soldiers killed in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and a newer installation to commemorate the civil rights movement in St. Augustine — known as the Foot Soldiers Monument.

A pre-1700s well has been designated as an American Water Landmark, and the town plan and plaza were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

The Plaza faces the Bridge of Lions and features a central pavilion used for city events, private events, and live entertainment. There is also a public market that has been in use since the 1500s, when fish, vegetables, and other goods were traded here. Today, local vendors set up tables to sell their wares.

Visitors can enjoy local events like the summer Concerts in the Plaza series and the Nights of Lights during the holidays. The plaza is surrounded by large cannons which make for a fun vacation photo op.