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The cobblestone streets of the historic center of Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s prestigious Heritage Towns (Pueblos Patrimonio), are a great place to wander around. Other than the plazas, there are a few interesting places you can spot by just walking around this wonderful Colombian town.
Casa Quintero
Casa Quintero, which has an entrance on Plaza Mayor, is a colonial mansion that was restored into a small shopping and entertainment center. It now holds several restaurants and shops. Casa Quintero always seemed like a lively place. We ate dinner at Tacuba 16, one of the restaurants located there.
Casona La Guaca
Another restored colonial mansion is Casona La Guaca, which used the same concept as Casa Quintero. It features some pleasant courtyards and a menu that lists the dishes served by several restaurants. We ate paella there on our first afternoon.
There are also a few shops selling wine, jewelry, and crafts. Casona La Guaca is just a few steps from Plaza Mayor, on a pedestrianized street leading north from the eastern corner of the plaza.
Casa Juan de Castellanos
Next door to Casona La Guaca is Casa de Juan de Castellanos, which is a third restored colonial mansion that houses restaurants and shops.
Royal Bridge
Continuing along the same street, you’ll find lots of souvenir shops and cafés as well as a small stone bridge, the Royal Bridge (Puente Real).
Royal Liquor Factory
The Royal Liquor Factory (Real Fábrica de Licores) sits on the street leading south off the eastern corner of Plaza Mayor. It was the first official distillery in Colombia, and features a 17th century Spanish coat of arms above the door.
From the distillery, on the street heading towards Plaza Mayor are several restaurants. In the opposite direction, you’ll find lots of souvenir and craft shops.
Parque Antonio Nariño
Parque Antonio Nariño is located south of Plaza Mayor. While there are no specific points of interest on the park, it’s lined with nice colonial buildings. In the center is a bust of Antonio Nariño, a hero of the Colombian independence movement who died in a house in Villa de Leyva.
Cloister of San Francisco
Further south is the Cloister of San Francisco (Claustro de San Francisco), which has been converted into a concert hall. It was closed when we walked by.
Colonial Buildings
Finally, just wandering around you’ll be able to spot some gorgeous colonial buildings. Many have balconies or have been decorated with flowers. Some are privately owned while others have been converted into shops, hotels, or restaurants.
