This square is at the heart of the Barrio Húmedo, or wet district, so called on account of the large number of bars. This popular Leonese district, partially enclosed by old walls, dates from the Middle Ages. Its street names are derived from the old trade guilds, with blacksmiths (herreros), cobblers (zapaterías), butchers (carnicerias) and goldsmiths (platerías) all represented.