From Eve
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Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Glorieta Castle.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Glorieta Castle: A Fairytale in Pink
Discover Bolivia's fairytale castle, a unique blend of architectural styles and home to the country's only Prince and Princess.
Located just outside Sucre, Bolivia, Glorieta Castle is a striking pink fairytale castle that was once home to Bolivia's only Prince and Princess. Built in the late 19th century, the castle showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles, reflecting the couple's extensive travels and worldly tastes. Today, it stands as a national monument and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into a unique chapter of Bolivian history.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Glorieta Castle
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Sucre, BO
Tuesday
9 am-5 pm
Wednesday
9 am-5 pm
Thursday
9 am-5 pm
Friday
9 am-5 pm
Saturday
9 am-5 pm
Sunday
9 am-4 pm
Discover more about Glorieta Castle
La Glorieta Castle, or Castillo de La Glorieta in Spanish, is a unique and somewhat whimsical palace located a few kilometers outside of Sucre. This pink fairytale castle was once the residence of Francisco Argandoña and Clotilde Urioste, who were awarded the honorary titles of Prince and Princess of La Glorieta by Pope Leo XIII in 1898, making them Bolivia's only royalty.
Construction of the castle began in 1893 and was completed in 1897. Designed by Italian-Argentinian architect Antonio Camponovo, the castle is an architectural melting pot, blending various styles such as Gothic, Russian Byzantine, Arabic, and Dutch Renaissance. The castle features three prominent towers: the Prince's Tower with its Russian Byzantine cupola, the Princess's Tower in Arabic style, and a Gothic-style Clock Tower. Visitors can climb the Prince's Tower via a spiral staircase to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Francisco Argandoña made his fortune in the silver mining industry. As a devout couple with no children, the Prince and Princess dedicated their lives to philanthropy, opening two orphanages in Sucre. After Francisco's death in 1910, Clotilde continued her charitable work. The castle became a national monument in 1970. Today, visitors can explore the castle's 40 rooms and wander through the gardens, while the interior is largely empty, the architecture and history provide a captivating experience.
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Getting There
Public Transport
From the center of Sucre, take Micro Bus number 4 from Mercado Central towards Castillo de la Glorieta; it's the last stop. The bus costs approximately 1.5 Bs per person each way.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Sucre. A taxi from the city center (Plaza 25 de Mayo) to La Glorieta Castle typically costs around 15-20 Bs for two people. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Walking
It is possible to walk to La Glorieta Castle from the center of Sucre. The walk is approximately 5.5 km and takes about 1 hour, passing through the El Tejar neighborhood and into the countryside. Be prepared for a steady uphill climb.
A brief summary to Glorieta Castle
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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