The shape of the square results from its being a cross roads, hence its other name of the "iron cross".
It used to be used as a market for agricultural implements, although no trace of this remains. The centre of the square there is a Baroque fountain, which was located in the Ribas de Sil monastery until the Exclaustration.
It is almost triangular in shape, with the base in the south, delimited on the western side by supports and 15th century buildings, made using the typical whitewashed "pallabarro" (staw and mud mixture). The sides of the square have traditional buildings and the 16th century Boán family Palace.