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La Candelaria is the historic city center and oldest area of Bogotá, Colombia. In fact, the city was founded there on August 6, 1538.
Introduction to La Candelaria
La Candelaria is an excellent place to start exploring Bogotá, set dramatically at the foot of a lush green mountain. It contains the headquarters of Colombia’s national government and some of the best museums in town.
The neighborhood has been undergoing an extensive rebirth in recent years and is full of colorful refurbished colonial homes and buildings as well as many churches. Several good restaurants have been popping up, especially walking uphill to the east of Plaza de Bolívar.
Other than the cultural and historical attractions, one of the best things about La Candelaria is just wandering the streets. The neighborhood is full of colorful and attractive colonial buildings.
Plaza de Bolívar
Plaza de Bolívar is the best place to start exploring La Candelaria. It’s the focal point of the neighborhood and is the center of Colombia’s government.
Plaza de Bolívar, which was originally named Plaza Mayor, has gone through a long and often tumultuous history, even witnessing a devastating guerrilla attack. It originated as a market square after the founding of Bogotá in 1538. Public punishments were also held there.
In 1821, the plaza was renamed Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square). It was renamed Plaza de Bolívar in 1846 after a monument to liberator Simón Bolívar (1783-1830) was placed in the center.
Monument to Simón Bolívar
The monument to Simón Bolívar was commissioned by José Ignacio París (1780-1848) shortly after the liberator’s death. It was designed by Italian sculptor Pietro Tenerani (1789-1869) and cast in Munich, Germany, by Ferdinand von Müller around 1844. The monument was unveiled on July 20, 1846, and was the first public monument in Bogotá. It replaced a colonial fountain.
The statue depicts Bolívar wearing a Roman-style cloak. In his right hand is a sword representing liberation, while in his left hand is the constitution. The medallion on his chest depicts George Washington.
The base of the monument was replaced in 1880, and the statue was rotated to face north towards the Palace of Justice rather than the Cathedral to the east. An English garden surrounded by an iron fence was also added, but were removed in 1919.
Cathedral of Bogotá
The Cathedral of Bogotá is the most important church in the city. It’s the biggest church in Colombia and one of the biggest in South America. The cathedral is located on the east side of Plaza de Bolívar in La Candelaria.
The cathedral is the fourth church in this location. The official name is the Sacred Holy Church Primatial Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in Bogotá (Sacro Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada Basílica Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción de María en Bogotá).
The first church was a small thatched chapel built by Dominican missionary Friar Domingo de las Casas (d. 1539). It was used to celebrate mass on August 6, 1538, for the founding of Bogotá. It was originally called Our Lady of Hope (Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza).
The second church was built between 1553 and 1560, but the roof collapsed on the eve of its inauguration. The third church was built between 1572 and 1590. It was heavily damaged in an earthquake on July 12, 1785, and the decision was made to demolish it in 1805.
The current cathedral was built between 1807 and 1823. It covers a space of 5,300 square meters. It was designed by Spanish Friar Domingo de Petrés (1759-1811), who also designed the cathedrals of Santa Fe de Antioquia and Zipaquirá.
Chapels in the Cathedral of Bogotá
The Cathedral of Bogotá contains several chapels along both aisles and one behind the main altar.
Chapel of St. Elizabeth of Hungary
The founder of Bogotá, Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada (1496-1579), is entombed in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. He was originally buried in Mariquita and his remains were moved to Bogotá in July 1597. His tomb was sculpted by artist Luis Alberto Acuña (1904-1993). There’s also a monument dedicated to revolutionary hero Antonio Nariño (1765-1824).
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception contains the tomb of Bernardo Herrera Restrepo (1844-1928), the first Archbishop of Bogotá from 1891 to his death in 1928.
Chapel of Our Lady of El Topo
Behind the main altar is the Chapel of Our Lady of El Topo, which contains an altarpiece dating back to 1610. The chapel also holds the tomb of Aurelio París Sanz de Santamaría (1829-1899), a Colombian businessman.
Organ of the Cathedral of Bogotá
The organ was completed in 1890 by Spanish organ builder Aquilino Amezua (1847-1912). It was removed from its original location on the eastern end of the central nave for a restoration between 1960 and 1968, in anticipation of the visit of Pope Paul VI. It now sits on the south end of the cathedral.
Chapel of the Tabernacle
Moving clockwise from the cathedral, next door is the Chapel of the Tabernacle (Capilla del Sagrario). It was built between 1660 and 1700 and is filled with beautiful works of art.
The chapel was built on a Latin cross plan with one nave. It was commissioned by Gabriel Gómez de Sandoval y Arratia, a sergeant major of the Spanish Royal army. It predates the cathedral by well over 100 years, and Gómez de Sandoval oversaw the entire project. He died shortly after it was consecrated in 1700.
The first thing a visitor sees when entering the chapel is a wooden screen carved with reliefs related to the Blessed Sacrament. It’s topped by four angels holding symbols of the Eucharist.
The wooden ceiling is a barrel vault in the Mudéjar style and is painted red. It’s decorated with golden flowers bordered by octagons and crosses.
The Chapel of the Tabernacle contains 36 of over 50 original paintings by Gregorio Vásquez (1638-1711). Marco Suárez, a local sculptor, carved the pulpit.
Cardinal’s Palace
The Cardinal’s Palace (Palacio Cardenalicio), which is the former Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal), sits to the right of the chapel. It was commissioned by Archbishop Crisanto Luque (1889-1959) in 1951. Construction began on September 29, 1952, and it opened on March 7, 1958. Italian sculptor Vico Consorti (1902-1979), who created the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, designed and built the main portal.
The palace sits on the former site of the Customs House (Casa de la Aduana), which was designed by Domingo Esquiaqui in 1793. The land was donated to the Archdiocese in 1948 by Margarita Herrera.
San Bartolomé College
On the corner to the right of the Cardinal’s Palace is San Bartolomé College (Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé), founded in 1604 by Archbishop Bartolomé Lobo Guerrero (1546-1622). To this day it’s a very prestigious school, with alumni including many important politicians and figures in Colombian history.
National Capitol
On the south end of the plaza sits the National Capitol (Capitolio Nacional), home of the Congress of Colombia. Construction started in 1847 but it wasn’t completed until 1926. It was designed by Danish architect Thomas Reed (1817-1878).
Liévano Palace
The west end of Plaza de Bolívar contains the Liévano Palace (Palacio Liévano). It replaced the Arrubla Galleries (Galerías Arrubla), built between 1843 and 1848 and destroyed by fire in 1900. The Líevano Palace was built between 1903 and 1907 and was designed by French architect Gaston Lelarge (1861-1934). The building was once full of shops and business but has hosted the Bogotá City Hall (Alcaldía) since 1974.
Palace of Justice
On the east end is the Palace of Justice (Palacio de Justicia), which holds the Supreme Court of Colombia. The Supreme Court has seen its share of tragedy. The original building was built a block away in 1921 but was burned down in 1948 during El Bogotazo. The next building was built on the current site in 1960 but destroyed by M-19 guerillas in a siege on November 6-7, 1985. Almost 90 people were killed, including 11 Supreme Court justices, and at least 11 people disappeared. The building is officially named after Alfonso Reyes Echandía (1932-1985), the President of the Supreme Court killed during the siege.
Casa del Florero
Finally, in the northeast corner of Plaza de Bolívar is the Casa del Florero. It’s deeply rooted in Colombian independence. On Friday, July 20, 1810, Luis Rubio along with Francisco and Antonio Morales went to visit the shop of Spanish merchant José González Llorente (1783-1850). They asked to borrow a vase to decorate a banquet honoring Antonio Villavicencio (1775-1816), a lieutenant in the Royal Navy. Llorente refused, a fistfight broke out, and the vase was smashed to pieces. The confrontation sparked public unrest and led to an eventual rebellion against Spanish rule. The event is widely regarded as the beginning of Colombia’s independence movement.
The house was built in the late 16th century for Hernán Venegas Carrillo. Between 1739 and 1792, it was owned by Francisco Moreno y Escandón and later passed to the daughter of Sebastián Rodríguez Trujillo, who rented the balcony to watch the events on the plaza. By 1810, it was repurposed for commercial use. Also, for 28 hours during the siege of the Palace of Justice in 1985, the house was used by the army as a detention and interrogation center. Today, it’s a museum focusing on the independence of Colombia.
Carrera 7
Carrera 7 is a major street in Bogotá. One of the best stretches is a pedestrianized section, also known as Calle Real, running north from Plaza de Bolívar in La Candelaria to Parque Santander in Santa Fe. The few blocks in La Candelaria are lined with tall buildings and shops on the ground floor, including a craft market selling all kinds of Colombian souvenirs at decent prices.
I really enjoy the atmosphere of the street. It contains several street performers and vendors, with cyclists, businesspeople rushing by while tourists admire the scene. I’ve even watched several men playing intense games of chess outdoors at a long table.
On my very first visit in July 2014, the street was blocked off and fully pedestrianized on a Sunday. Other times it was open to traffic. The street was permanently pedestrianized sometime after that first visit.
Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Assassination Site
After walking about three blocks from Plaza de Bolívar, you’ll come to the spot where Jorge Eliécer Gaitán (1903-1948) was assassinated on April 9, 1948. Gaitán was an extremely popular politician who was on the path to being elected president. His assassination triggered massive riots called El Bogotazo, which partially destroyed Bogotá. It also directly led to a period of extreme violence that facilitated the rise of Communist guerrilla groups. More than 200,000 people died in the aftermath of Gaitán’s death in a period of 15 years. The assassin, Juan Roa Sierra (1921-1948), was chased down and killed by an angry mob.
El Tiempo Building
The El Tiempo Building is located on the corner of Carrera 7 and Avenida Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. It was designed by Italian architect Bruno Violi (1909-1971) in honor of the 50th anniversary of the founding of El Tiempo, the country’s most widely circulated newspaper. The building was finished in 1958 and is now the headquarters of Citytv Bogotá, which is owned by the newspaper.
Chorro de Quevedo
Chorro de Quevedo is a small plaza on the east side of La Candelaria. Many people claim Bogotá was founded there. The plaza and its connecting alleys are surrounded by restaurants and bars and some decent street art. Nighttime transforms the plaza into a gathering place for young people and street artists. It has a unique and fun atmosphere that’s hard to match anywhere in Bogotá. There are also some hostels and a few boutique hotels.
Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada (1509-1579) founded a military garrison on the site of today’s Chorro de Quevedo before founding Bogotá in 1538. According to historical records, the Zipa (ruler) of the indigenous Muisca people would observe the entire savannah of Bacatá from the same spot.
Hermitage of San Miguel del Príncipe
Hermitage of San Miguel de Príncipe (Ermita de San Miguel del Príncipe) is a small church on the plaza. It’s a replica of an older chapel and was built in 1969.
Callejón del Embudo
Callejón del Embudo, a narrow alley running north of Chorro de Quevedo. It often has some of the best street art in Bogotá.
At the end of the alley is a small park usually filled with murals as well as good views of Monserrate and some of the city’s skyscrapers.
Calle 12 in La Candelaria
You’ll find a couple minor points of interest walking back towards the heart of La Candelaria on Calle 12.
Teatro La Candelaria
About a block south of Chorro de Quevedo on Calle 12 is Teatro La Candelaria. It was formed in 1966 by a group of local artists.
Calle del Sol Residential Complex
On the next corner at Carrera 3 you’ll see the Calle del Sol Residential Complex. It’s one of the most interesting buildings in La Candelaria. It was built in 1917 as a seminary and later converted into the offices for the Colombian Intelligence Services (Servicio de Inteligencia Colombiana). During that time, it was used for torture and imprisonment. The building sat abandoned for several years until 1987, when it was renovated as a residential complex. It reopened in 1992.
Calle 11 in La Candelaria
Next, we’ll walk down Calle 11 towards Plaza de Bolívar.
Church of Our Lady of La Candelaria
First, at Calle 11 and Carrera 4 is the Church of Our Lady of La Candelaria (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria). It was designed by Diego Sánchez de Montemayor and built between 1686 and 1703. Once part of the Convent of St. Nicholas of the Augustinian Recollects (Convento de San Nicolás de los Agustinos Recoletos), it houses an important collection of colonial religious art.
The church’s nave is split into a central nave with two aisles separated by semicircular arches on pillars. The spectacular gilded altarpiece dates back to the 18th century. It’s made of carved wood and consists of three rows with five niches each.
Pay special attention to the ceiling, where you can admire paintings by Pedro Alcántara Quijano Montero (1878-1953). Among them are La Muerte de San José, representing the death of St. Joseph, and Presentación de Jesús en el Templo (Presentation of Jesus in the Temple).
Several chapels line the aisles, dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation, the Holy Trinity, and Our Lady of the Pillar, among others. Above the entrance is a beautifully constructed choir.
Luis Ángel Arango Library
Across the street is the Luis Ángel Arango Library (Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango), which is run by the Bank of the Republic (Banco de la Republica). It’s the most important public library not only in Colombia, but also in Latin America. It’s also among the most visited in the world, with 5,000 people entering each day. The library is open daily except holidays. Free guided tours are available with registration online (as of July 2025).
The library opened on February 20, 1958, and is named for Luis Ángel Arango, the general manager of the Bank of the Republic from 1947 to 1957. In addition to the library, it hosts concerts, exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and seminars. The building has 45,000 square meters of floor space and boast 2,000 reading stations, 12 thematic rooms, a concert hall, and a temporary exhibition hall. There are over 2.7 million items in the collection.
Casa de Moneda
On the next corner towards Plaza de Bolívar is the Casa de Moneda, which served as a mint from 1621 to 1987. The mint was founded by Spaniard Alonso Turrillo de Yebra, who was sent by royal decree under Felipe III of Spain to the Kingdom of New Granada, He arrived in 1621. Coin production moved to the city of Ibagué in 1987.
The Casa de Moneda was declared a national monument of Colombia on August 11, 1975. Today, it hosts the Casa de Moneda Museum (Museo Casa de Moneda), which holds the numismatic collection of the Bank of the Republic as well as several impressive works of art.
Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center
The Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Gabriel García Márquez), named after Colombia’s greatest author, is located on the next block at Carrera 6. It features a bookstore and art gallery with temporary exhibits. It was designed in 2003 by French-Colombian architect Rogelio Salmona (1929-2007) and opened in 2008.
Delia Zapata Olivella National Center for the Arts
The Delia Zapata Olivella National Center for the Arts is across the street. It opened in March 2023 and is one of the major performing and live arts venues in Colombia. It’s named for Delia Zapata Olivella (1926-2001), a pioneering Afro-Colombian dancer and folklorist. The center covers 17,000 square meters and has four performance venues.
La Candelaria Restaurant Zone
If you get hungry while wandering around La Candelaria, head straight to the first block of Calle 11 between Carrera 7 and Carrera 6. This block is full of restaurants facing the north wall of the Cathedral of Bogotá. They all serve traditional Colombian food. The specialty you should try is ajiaco.
Calle 10 in La Candelaria
From Calle 11, we’ll cross Plaza de Bolívar and walk down Calle 10. We’ll start at Carrera 9 and walk uphill to Carrera 4.
Church of Our Lady of the Conception
First, just west of Plaza de Bolívar between Carrera 10 and Carrera 9 is the Church of Our Lady of the Conception (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción). It was built between 1583 and 1595 as part of a convent established by local grocer Luis López Ortiz in 1583. The convent can be seen around the corner on Carrera 9.
The church consists of a single nave measuring 11.5 meters wide by 42 meters long. The gilded arch around the presbytery is the most prominent feature, made of wood-plated masonry and plaster. The altarpiece is not original to the church. Also notice the beautiful coffered ceiling of the presbytery.
The ceiling was donated by Juan Díaz Jaramillo. It was made by artists and materials from Sevilla and rescued from his home, which was destroyed by flooding from the Bogotá River in 1581. Other woodwork in the church was done by Juan Sánchez García.
Palace of the National Police
Veering a block off Calle 10 to Calle 9 is the Palace of the National Police (Palacio de la Policía Nacional), which is the former headquarters of the National Police of Colombia (Policía Nacional de Colombia). The beautiful building was designed by architect Alberto Manrique Martín (1891-1968) and constructed between 1923 and 1926. Above the entrance are figures representing Day and Night, created by sculptor Félix María Otálora (1896-1961).
A small police museum opened inside the building in 1959. When all police functions moved to a different location in the early 1980s, the building was restored and reopened on September 26, 1984, as the National Police History Museum (Museo Histórico de la Policia Nacional). It’s one of the most interesting museums in Bogotá.
Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Back on Calle 10, just east of Plaza de Bolívar is the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Iglesia de San Ignacio de Loyola), built between 1610 and 1691. It was originally administered by the Jesuits until they were expelled from the country between 1767 and 1891. During those years, it was renamed to the Church of San Carlos (Iglesia de San Carlos), in honor of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI (King Carlos III of Spain). Today, it’s administered by the Jesuits once again along with San Bartolomé College.
House of the Rights of Man
Directly across from the church is Plazuela Rufino Cuervo. On this small plaza is the House of the Rights of Man (Casa de los Derechos del Hombre), where Colombian revolutionary hero Antonio Nariño (1765-1823) translated the Declaration of the Rights of Man from French to Spanish.
Nariño made copies from his personal press and began to distribute them to politically like-minded friends. This act started spinning the wheels of revolution in South America. For his role in distribution of the pamphlet, Nariño was sentenced to 10 years of prison in Africa and exiled from South America. He escaped from imprisonment in Spain (twice!) in order to aid the revolution.
A pair of plaques with the Rights of Man in Spanish decorate the 17th-century building, which now hosts the Museum of Costumes (Museo de Trajes). It presents the history of regional costumes of Colombia, from the pre-Hispanic and Spanish Colonial periods through today.
Home of Manuelita Sáenz
Continuing along is the former home of Manuelita Sáenz (1797-1856), a revolutionary hero and the mistress of Simón Bolívar (1783-1830). In the past, it hosted the Museum of Costumes.
Palace of San Carlos
On the right side on the next block up Calle 10 is the Palace of San Carlos (Palacio de San Carlos). It was built by Archdeacon Francisco Porras Mejía and completed around 1585. In 1605, it was sold to Archbishop Bartolomé Lobo Guerrero (1546-1622) who converted it into the San Bartolomé Seminary College (Colegio Seminario de San Bartolomé), a Jesuit seminary. In 1767, after the Jesuits were expelled from New Granada, it became the Royal Library of Santa Fe (Biblioteca Real de Santafé).
From 1827 to 1908, and again from 1954 to 1980, the Palace of San Carlos was the official residence of the President of Colombia. Since December 1993, it has housed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A small plaque on the building, written in Latin, tells of Simón Bolívar’s escape from an assassination attempt there in 1828. Another plaque commemorates its history as a library.
Teatro Colón
Across the street is the Teatro Colón. It was designed in 1885 by Italian architect Pietro Cantini who modeled it after the Palais Garnier in Paris. It opened on October 27, 1892, has a capacity of 785.
The theatre, which serves as the national theatre of Colombia, has had a long and colorful history. On November 24, 2016, it witnessed the signing of the modified peace agreement between the Colombian government, led by President Juan Manuel Santos, and the FARC, commanded by Rodrigo Londoño.
Birthplace of Rafael Pombo
Next door is the birthplace of poet Rafael Pombo (1833-1912). It was declared a National Monument on June 20, 1984.
Carrera 6 in La Candelaria
Carrera 6 has a couple interesting museums housed in historic buildings.
Casa de las Aulas
At Carrera 6 and Calle 10 is the Casa de las Aulas, which was built by Italian Jesuit architect Juan Bautista Coluccini (1569-1641) in the beginning of the 17th century. It originally served as the headquarters of the Maximum College of the Society of Jesus (Colegio Máximo de la Compañía de Jesús). In the first half of the 18th century it hosted the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Xavierian Pontifical University), founded in 1623.
After the Jesuits were expelled in 1767, the building was used for several purposes. The Congress of Colombia met there during the early years of the Republic, and it also functioned as a military barracks. Later, it was the headquarters of the National Museum of Colombia and the National Library.
Since August 6, 1942, it has operated as the Colonial Museum (Museo Colonial), which focuses on art from the Spanish colonial period in Bogotá and Colombia. One interesting fact is the National Anthem of Colombia was performed there for the first time on December 6, 1887.
Library of Congress
On the next block is the Library of Congress (Biblioteca del Congreso). It was officially founded in 1973, although a library and archive has existed since 1915. It moved into its current headquarters, the Casa de La Candelaria, in 1989. The building was constructed in the early 20th century and was once the home of the Círculo Obrero founded by priest José María Campoamor.
House of the Marquis of San Jorge
Finally, before coming to Calle 7 is the House of the Marquis of San Jorge (Casa del Marqués de San Jorge), which was built in the late 17th century. In 1784, it was purchased by Jorge Miguel Lozano de Peralta, the first Marquis of San Jorge, for his oldest son, José María Lozano de Peralta. Spanish architect Domingo Esquiaqui modified the building in 1786, adding a corner balcony and an entrance portal with columns.
In the mid-18th century, the property was acquired by Manuel Bernardo de Álvarez, the grandfather of Antonio Nariño. It became a home for the Sisters Adorers (Hermanas Adoratrices) in 1943. The mansion was purchased in 1972 by Banco Popular. The bank converted it into the Archaeological Museum of Bogotá (Museo Arqueológico Bogotá), which features the largest collection of pre-Columbian ceramics in the country. It features a beautiful central courtyard.
Carrera 5 in La Candelaria
Heading south down Carrera 5 are a few more points of interest.
Casa Sanz de Santamaría
First, at the corner of Carrera 5 and Calle 9 is the Casa Sanz de Santamaría. It’s one of the best Colonial period homes in Bogotá. Construction began around 1655 by Luís de Arandía and remained in the hands of the Sanz de Santamaría family until the middle of the 20th century. It then served as a municipal office and in the 1980s became a cultural center.
Camarín del Carmen
Across the street to the south is the Camarín del Carmen. It has served several different functions over the years. The building was originally built in 1655 for religious purposes and later functioned as a military and educational building. It’s currently used as a theatre that seats 500 and is owned by the Leo XIII Salesian College, which is located next door. The bell tower is all that remains of the Monastery of San José of the Discalced Carmelite Mothers (Monasterio de San José de las Madres Carmelitas Descalzas), founded by Elvira de Padilla in 1606.
Don’t forget to check out the picturesque cobblestone street, Calle Camarín del Carmen, running uphill from the theatre.
Home of Rafael Uribe Uribe
On the opposite corner is the home of Rafael Uribe Uribe (1859-1914), a lawyer, journalist, and general in the Liberal army during the Thousand Days’ War. He lived his final years in the house and died there on October 15, 1914, a day after being attacked by two men carrying axes, Jesús Carvajal and Leovigildo Galarza. The home was built in the early 20th century. It once operated as a museum dedicated to Uribe, opening in 1994.
Leo XIII Salesian College
Continuing south, the Leo XIII Salesian College (Colegio Salesiano de León XIII) is a prestigious private boys school founded on September 1, 1890. Classes were initially held in the courtyard of the aforementioned Carmelite monastery. The school was constructed in two sections and functioned as a boarding school until 1972. It began to accept foreign students in 1958. Today, there are two locations for primary and secondary education.
Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
A few steps south is the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen). It was designed by Italian-Colombian architect and priest Giovanni Buscaglione (1874-1941). The first stone was laid on August 22, 1926, and it was consecrated on May 7, 1938. It was declared a National Monument on April 30, 1993.
The church was designed in the Florentine Gothic style with Byzantine and Arabic influences. It’s on a Latin cross plan with three naves separated by an arched colonnade and two aisles. Decorations were completed by Swiss sculptor Colombo Ramelli (1884-1946).
There are chapels at the end of the left and right naves while the aisles are lined with altars. You’ll also find beautiful stained glass windows as well as an impressive pulpit carved out of wood.
Calle 7 in La Candelaria
Calle 7 is a very heavily guarded zone in La Candelaria due to it passing in front of the Nariño Palace and several government buildings. You’ll have to ask permission to pass through checkpoints to visit some points of interest.
Church of San Agustín
First, at Calle 7 and Carrera 7 is the Church of San Agustín (Iglesia de San Agustín). It was built between 1642 and 1668 and was once part of a convent. On November 14, 1817, Colombian revolutionary Policarpa Salavarrieta (1795-1817) was executed by firing squad and buried there.
The church and convent were confiscated by the government on September 9, 1861. The church was returned to worship in 1867, but the convent was converted into a military barracks and remained as such until 1938. The convent was demolished in April 1940, and the church was damaged by the Bogotazo riots on April 9-10, 1948.
Restoration of the Church of San Agustín was delayed until 1954, with work continuing until 1963. Another restoration took place between 1980 and 1986. The church was declared a National Monument on August 11, 1975.
The Church of San Agustín has a central nave and two aisles separated by arches. The Baroque altar is covered in gold leaf. The nave is covered by a coffered barrel-vaulted ceiling and there are numerous paintings and wooden statues.
The choir is one of the most impressive features of the church. It was carved out of cedar by Pedro de Heredia in the mid-17th century. You’ll also find side altars and a chapel at the end of the right aisle.
Nariño Palace
The large building taking up the block between Carrera 7 and Carrera 8 is the Nariño Palace (Palacio de Nariño), the official residence and office of the President of Colombia. It was built between 1906 and 1908 on the site of the house where Colombian revolutionary Antonio Nariño (1765-1823) was born. It was designed by French architect Gaston Lelarge (1861-1934) and Colombian architect Julián Lombana (1839-1916).
Among the exterior features are the Plaza de Armas, where foreign guests are received with honors, and the National Astronomical Observatory (Observatorio Astronómico Nacional). The observatory was designed and built by Spanish architect and Capuchin friar Domingo de Petrés (1759-1811) between 1802 and 1803. It was the first observatory built in the Americas and its first director was Spanish priest and botanist José Celestino Mutis (1732-1808). The first steps towards Colombian independence were planned there.
Free tours of the Nariño Palace are available via a reservation form on the official website (as of July 2025). They last about an hour, and visitors are not allowed to bring bags, cameras, or phones. It’s best to leave them in your hotel or you may be denied entry. Wearing shorts or flip flops is not allowed.
Naturally, there’s a heavy security presence from the south of Plaza de Bolívar all the way to Calle 7, down both Carrera 8 and Carrera 7. You can pass through the security checkpoints by letting the police search your bags.
Cloister of St. Augustine
Next, at the corner of Carrera 8 and Calle 7 is the Cloister of St. Augustine (Claustro de San Agustín). It was built in the 18th century as part of a monastery and is a good example of ecclesiastical architecture in Bogotá. The cloister is unique in religious terms because it lacks its own church.
Since its construction, the cloister has been used as a university, a military garrison, and a museum. On November 23, 1809, Antonio Nariño was arrested in the courtyard and taken to Cartagena the next day. The building is now owned by the National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia). They use it mainly for exhibitions and cultural events. Admission is free (as of July 2025), but you’ll probably have to jump through hoops (i.e. military checkpoints) to gain access.
House of Francisco José de Caldas
Finally, tucked away on Carrera 8 south of Calle 7 is the house of Colombian military hero, naturalist, inventor, and mathematician Francisco José de Caldas (1768-1816). The house was built around 1770 and Caldas rented it in 1810. It opened to the public in 1985 as the Francisco José de Caldas House Museum (Casa Museo Francisco José de Caldas), featuring exhibits on the life and work of Caldas.
Church of Our Lady of the Waters
On the north side of La Candelaria is the historic Church of Our Lady of the Waters (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Las Aguas). It was built between 1657 and 1694. It consists of a single nave and a chapel dedicated to St. Anthony built in 1901. The chapel was designed in the Neo-Gothic style by Swiss architect Luigi Ramelli (1851-1930). The Dominicans administered the church from 1690 to 1802.
Quinta de Bolívar
Behind the University of Los Andes and in the shadow of Monserrate is the Quinta de Bolívar. This mansion, built in 1800, was given to liberator Simón Bolívar (1783-1830) in 1820. He spent over 400 days there between 1820 and 1829.
Quinta de Bolívar is open daily except Mondays. There’s different admission for foreigners and Colombians. Prices are current as of July 2025:
- Admission for foreigners is terribly unfair compared to local prices. It’s US$10 for visitors age 13-59, US$5 for kids age 6-12, and free for kids under 6 and adults age 60+. An optional additional donation is US$1.
- For Colombian citizens and residents, it’s only COP$6,000 for adults age 18-59, COP$4,000 for youth age 13-17, COP$2,000 for kids age 6-12, and free for kids under 6 and adults age 60+. An optional additional donation is COP$2,000.
- Admission is free every Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm and on the last Sunday of each month.
The house includes several rooms decorated with period furniture and other artifacts. One room displays the liberator’s bedroom and some personal effects, including his sword.
As you exit the mansion, there are several bronze cannons on display. Each one is labeled with more information about it, including the year it was made.
Bolivarian Garden
The home is surrounded by the Bolivarian Garden (Jardín Bolivariano), a beautiful botanical garden. In the garden is a monument to Bolívar with the flags of each country he liberated. The flags are placed in front of the shields of each country. When I visited, a wreath with a Korean sash had been placed in front of the bust of Bolívar.
