The Bolívar Square has been the center of the country's history. It was a public market and bullring, among other things, and it still hosts a wide variety of cultural and social events. This public space, which during Christmas is decorated with thousands of colorful lights, is framed by buildings such as the Liévano Palace, the National Capitol, and the Primada Cathedral.

Located in the center of Bogotá, the Bolívar Square is the main square of the city, being declared a Colombian National Monument on October 19, 1995. It was built in 1539 under the name Plaza Mayor and was also the place where the Independence Cry was proclaimed on July 20, 1810.

In the center of the square, tourists and locals can find a bronze statue of Simón Bolívar, an essential figure in Colombia's independence, created by the Italian artist Pietro Tenerani in 1846; thus becoming the city's first public monument.

What to do in Bolívar Square in Bogotá?

Due to its privileged location in the city center, the Bolívar Square is near several cultural and historical sites of Bogotá, such as the Santa Clara Museum Church, the Astronomical Observatory, the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions, the House of Nariño, the Luis Ángel Arango Library, and the Chorro de Quevedo.

Other recommended activities include walking or cycling tours around the historical buildings of the area, tours through the La Candelaria neighborhood, visiting typical restaurants, or participating in the cultural events that are frequently held there.

360 Photography: MCarvajal