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The city of Bucaramanga was founded on December 22, 1622, in what is now Parque García Rovira. While the city has since spread eastward, this plaza contains some of the city’s most important government and historic buildings.
The center of Parque García Rovira is filled with tall palm trees and a monument to Custodio García Rovira (1780-1816), a hero of Colombia’s independence. The statue was erected in 1907 by German artist Xavier Arnold.
Government Buildings
On opposite sides of the plaza are two government buildings. To the north is the Bucaramanga City Hall (Alcaldía). An interesting sculpture of a native Guane person being led by a Spanish soldier and Catholic priest sits to one side.
To the south is the Government of Santander (Gobernación de Santander), which holds the offices for the department of Santander.
Our Lady of Sorrows
On the west side of the plaza is the historic Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows (Capilla Nuestra Señora de los Dolores). It was built in the 17th century and is where Simón Bolívar prayed during his stay in Bucaramanga. Unfortunately it was closed when we walked by.
Casa del Libro Total
Across the street from the chapel is the Casa del Libro Total, a historic building that serves as a library and cultural center. Art exhibitions and musical performances are often held there.
Church of San Laureano
Finally, on the east side of Plaza García Rovira is the Church of San Laureano (Iglesia de San Laureano). The parish dates back to 1778 while the building was constructed between 1872 and 1897. It’s got a bright yellow interior to match its exterior and a nice ceiling and balcony carved out of wood.
Plazoleta Luis Carlos Galán
Just east of the plaza is Plazoleta Luis Carlos Galán, which contains the Palace of Justice (Palacio de Justicia), a side view of the Church of San Laureano, and a bust of Luis Carlos Galán (1943-1989). The Palace of Justice opened in 1950.
Galán was a journalist who ran for president of Colombia twice. He was assassinated on the orders of drug lord Pablo Escobar and politicians connected to him.
Casa de Bolívar
One block south of Plazoleta Luis Carlos Galán is the Casa de Bolívar. Simón Bolívar lived in the house from April 1 to June 8, 1828. It now houses a historical museum dedicated to the department of Santander. Admission is COP$5,000 per person (as of February 2023) for a guided tour in Spanish, and it’s open daily except Sundays. Photos are forbidden inside the museum, which contains items used by Bolívar, Guane artifacts and mummies, and a history of the Santander department.
