Bolívar Square
Plaza de Bolívar
Bogotá's political and religious centre, surrounded by the Primatial Cathedral, the Capitol, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall.
Plaza de Bolívar was the main square after the city was founded in 1539. In 1846 a bronze statue of Simón Bolívar, the 'Liberator' of South America, by the Italian sculptor Tenerani was erected, and the square takes its name from him. The buildings around the plaza almost sum up Colombia's power structure. To the east is the neoclassical Primatial Cathedral from the 19th century, next to the Chapel of the Sanctuary. To the south is the National Capitol, home of the Colombian Congress, with its imposing colonnades. To the north is the Palace of Justice, rebuilt after the 1985 hostage crisis. To the west is the City Hall (Palacio Liévano), built in French style. In the northeast corner is the 20 July Museum (the Museum of Independence), the site of the 1810 'Vase Incident' that sparked the independence movement. The square is full of pigeons and often hosts rallies, parades and street performers. Not far to the south is the presidential palace, Casa de Nariño, where the guard changes on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in the afternoon (check the day's schedule). The square is open all day, and the cathedral interior can be visited for free, though you should stay quiet during Mass. Large protests often take place here, so keep away when there is a gathering.
Opening hours
Open all day (cathedral hours per church announcements)
Nearby sights
- Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá
- Santa Clara Church Museum
- Colón Theatre
- Botero Museum
- Luis Ángel Arango Library
- Church of San Francisco
- Gold Museum
- International Emerald Museum