Plaza de Bolívar Travel Guide

Plaza de Bolívar, located in the heart of Bogotá's La Candelaria district, is the city's most important and historic square. Originally known as Plaza Mayor, the plaza was established in 1539 by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada and has served as the city's central hub since then. Throughout its history, the plaza has been a marketplace, a stage for public executions, and a venue for bullfights and other public events.In 1846, the plaza was renamed in honor of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan-born leader who played a key role in Latin America's independence from Spain. A statue of Bolívar, the first public monument in Bogotá, stands in the center of the square. Today, Plaza de Bolívar is surrounded by several important buildings, including the National Capitol, the Primatial Cathedral, the Mayor's Office, the Palace of Justice, and the Museum of Independence.The Primatial Cathedral, with its neoclassical facade, dominates the plaza's east side. The Palace of Justice, rebuilt twice after being destroyed, stands on the north side. The National Capitol, the seat of the Colombian Congress, borders the square on the south. The Casa del Florero, also known as the Museo del 20 de Julio or Museo de la Independencia, is located on the northeast corner of the plaza.Plaza de Bolívar is a popular tourist destination and a gathering place for political demonstrations, cultural events, and religious meetings. The square is also home to a large population of pigeons, which are often fed by visitors. The Plaza de Bolívar is a national monument since 1995.