Continuing along Girne Caddesi, it is a five minute walk to Ataturk Square, formerly Konak Square, dominated by the granite column that is topped with a bronze sphere. This column was a symbol of Venetian rule and originally had a marble Lion of St. Mark on the top. When the Ottomans took over the city, they toppled the column and it lay broken where it fell until the British re-erected it. The marble lion had long since vanished so the bronze globe was made to replace it. On the plinth upon which the column stands are Venetian coats of arms.

The square is surrounded by fine houses and the old colonial period law courts, there are the British Royal coat of arms carved on the surrounding wall, and the public fountain that supplied drinking water is nearby. A small cluster of fine rubber trees provides shade for those taking refreshment in the cafes on the square and from the eighth floor terrace of the Saray Hotel there is a birds-eye panoramic view of the entire city.