It is located in the heart of the historic center of the city of Oaxaca.

During the entire colonial period, the plaza had no pavement or sidewalks, only a marble fountain placed in 1739. In 1987, the fountain was replaced by an initial gazebo surrounded by a small grove of trees.

In 1881, a new restoration and ornamentation plan was agreed upon, excluding the mature trees. On September 15, 1885, the statue of Benito Juárez was inaugurated and placed in the center of the plaza, replacing the gazebo.

In 1901, the plaza underwent further changes, and the current gazebo was installed, featuring a strong Art Nouveau influence that reflects the Porfirian era atmosphere.

In 1967, restrooms and commercial spaces were added beneath the gazebo.

In 2005, an effort was made to restore the original layout of the plaza, using the four cardinal points and the connecting diagonals as reference. The lighting was improved, and the gazebo was cleaned.

It is a pleasant gathering place for both locals and visitors, where popular festivities are held during city celebrations such as Independence Day and the Night of the Radishes, to name a few.

It is surrounded by important buildings such as the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the pleasant arcades where one can enjoy delicious local snacks and refreshing drinks.