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The Plaza Principal of Girón, one of Colombia’s Heritage Towns (Pueblos Patrimonio), is the center of life in this colonial town.
It’s a peaceful place with trees and benches and is surrounded by whitewashed colonial buildings. On the southern side are several different street food stands.
Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist
The most important building on the plaza is the Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist (Basílica Menor San Juan Bautista). This beautiful church was begun in 1646 and finished in 1876.
City Hall
On the side opposite the church is City Hall (Alcaldía). Across the street is a monument called Pasos de Bolívar, which commemorates Simón Bolívar’s three visits to the town.
Mansión del Fraile
Finally, on the south side of Plaza Principal are Girón’s two most important museums. First is the Mansión del Fraile, which is a colonial mansion that has been converted into a museum and restaurant. It has three inner courtyards and wooden balconies. The building was also the birthplace of Eloy Valenzuela, a botanist who participated in the Royal Botanical Expedition to Nueva Granada, led by José Celestino Mutis between 1783 and 1816. Unfortunately, it was closed each day we were in town.
Religious Art Museum
The other museum is the Religious Art Museum (Museo de Arte Religioso), founded in 1978 by a local priest. It contains items used in Catholic religious services as well as paintings and carvings from different historical periods. It was also closed during our visit.
