Plaza Libertad

Plaza Libertad is a deeply symbolic, 1.5-hectare town square located in the heart of Iloilo City Proper. Originally known as Plaza Alfonso XII during the Spanish colonial era, it holds immense national importance as the exact site where Spanish forces formally surrendered to Ilonggo revolutionary troops under General Martin Delgado on December 25, 1898. This historic event marked the end of more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, as the flag of the First Philippine Republic was triumphantly raised over the city for the first time.

Centrally positioned directly in front of Iloilo City Hall and the centuries-old San Jose Placer Parish Church, the redeveloped park functions as a modern civic sanctuary. The plaza features beautiful brick-paved pathways, a monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, landscaped gardens, a historic "iron horse" train relic, and unique statues of the Greek god Dionysius crafted by Italian sculptor Francesco Monti. With its perimeter fences removed to create a welcoming, open layout, it seamlessly blends a living textbook of Philippine history with everyday community spaces like playgrounds and an outdoor gym.