Last updated on .
La Candelaria is the historic city center and oldest part of Bogotá. 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.
Organization of This Post
I’ll start with Plaza de Bolívar, which is the most important square in Bogotá, and work my way down each street in La Candelaria. I’ll point out the most important historic sites along the way and pop into some museums. The only attraction covered in a separate post is the Santa Clara Museum, which preserves the former Church of Santa Clara.
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 Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución). It was renamed Plaza de Bolívar in 1846 after a statue of liberator Simón Bolívar (1783-1830) was placed in the center. The statue was the first public monument in Bogotá and was made by Italian sculptor Pietro Tenerani (1789-1869).
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).
History of the Cathedral of 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. The founder of Bogotá, Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada (1496-1579), is entombed in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. His tomb was sculpted by Colombian artist Luis Alberto Acuña (1904-1993). There’s also a monument dedicated to Colombian revolutionary hero Antonio Nariño (1765-1824).
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.
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 Cardinal’s Palace (Palacio Cardenalicio), which is the former Archbishop’s Palace (Palacio Arzobispal), sits to the right of the chapel.
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.
Features of the Chapel of the Tabernacle
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 Colombian painter Gregorio Vásquez (1638-1711). Marco Suárez, a local sculptor, carved the pulpit.
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 home to shops and business but has been home to 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 1985 fight against the Colombian army. Almost 100 people were killed, including 11 Supreme Court justices, and seven people disappeared. The building is officially named after Alfonso Reyes Echandía (1932-1985), the President of the Supreme Court killed during the siege.
Independence Museum
Finally, in the northeast corner of Plaza de Bolívar is the Casa del Florero Independence Museum (Museo de La Independencia Casa del Florero). It focuses on the independence of Colombia. Adult admission for foreigners is terribly unfair at US$10 with an optional additional donation of US$1 (as of April 2024). For Colombian citizens and residents, it’s only COP$6,000 with an optional additional donation of COP$2,000 (as of April 2024). Admission is free every Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm and on the last Sunday of each month. The museum is open daily except Mondays.
The museum is set in the 16th century home where a broken vase started a fistfight, leading to an eventual rebellion against Spanish rule. There are some interesting interactive displays.
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 sometimes 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 graffiti and 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.
La Candelaria Theatre
About a block south on Calle 12 is the La Candelaria Theatre (Teatro La Candelaria). It was formed in 1966 by a group of local artists.
Calle 11 in La Candelaria
Next, we’ll walk down Calle 11 towards Plaza de Bolívar.
Calle del Sol Residential Complex
From La Candelaria Theatre, turn left down Carrera 3 and 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 to 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.
Our Lady of La Candelaria
A block west on Calle 11 at Carrera 4 is Our Lady of La Candelaria (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria), built between 1686 and 1703. Once part of the Convent of Saint 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 three aisles separated by semicircular arches on pillars. The spectacular altarpiece dates back to the 18th century. It’s made of carved wood and is gilded in gold leaf, and consists of three rows with five niches each.
Pay special attention to the ceiling, where you can spot La Muerte de San José, a painting by Colombian artist Pedro Alcántara Quijano Montero (1878-1953) representing the death of Saint Joseph.
Miguel Urrutia Art Museum (MAMU)
Across the street is the Miguel Urrutia Art Museum (Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia), or MAMU, which houses the art collection of the Bank of the Republic. Over 800 pieces of the 6,000 piece collection is on display at any one time. Admission is free and it’s open daily except Tuesdays (as of April 2024).
Botero Museum
The Botero Museum (Museo de Botero) next door is a popular museum featuring several works of art by Colombian artist Fernando Botero (1932-2023). On display are over 100 sculptures, paintings, and drawings donated by the artist, including some of his most important works. Admission is free (as of April 2024) and it’s open daily except Tuesdays.
The museum is comprised of several galleries on two floors with a beautiful flowered courtyard in the center. Some of the galleries contain works by artists other than Botero.
Botero created his subjects using exaggerated volume, whether they were humans, animals, or objects. The works often evoke either laughter or sadness, or criticism, and many are politically motivated. The other major gallery he donated his works to is the Antioquia Museum in Medellín.
My personal favorites in the museum were the Mona Lisa and the sleeping politician.
Casa de Moneda
The Botero Museum is connected by a courtyard to 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 and 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 holds the numismatic collection of the Bank of the Republic (Banco de la Republica) as well as several impressive works of art. The Mint Museum (Museo Casa de la Moneda) is open daily except Tuesdays and admission is free (as of April 2024).
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.
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 the 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.
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 woodwork was done by Juan Sánchez García. The roof, made by artists and materials from Sevilla, was donated by Juan Díaz Jaramillo after he rescued it from his home destroyed by flooding from the Bogotá River in 1581.
National Police History Museum
Veering a block off Calle 10 to Calle 9 is the National Police History Museum (Museo Histórico de la Policia Nacional), which is one of the most interesting museums in Bogotá. It’s housed in the former police headquarters, a beautiful building which was built in 1923. Admission is free and it’s open daily except Mondays (as of March 2024). The friendly police officers on duty are more than happy to answer any questions, and many speak English.
The galleries in the museum cover all aspects of police work, including communication methods, uniforms, combatting the illegal drug trade, and special forces. Some of the larger items on display include a bomb disposal robot and a historic police wagon.
Highlights of the museum include several items from the Pablo Escobar manhunt, complete with a piece of blood-stained roof tile from the spot he was killed. There’s also a few personal items owned by Escobar and a money counter used by the Medellín Cartel, capable of counting 1,200 bills per minute.
The weapons collection is very impressive. On display are countless handguns, rifles, clubs, and other weapons from all over the world.
Don’t miss the mural on the ground floor and the views from the rooftop!
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 (who was also 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 sit on the building.
Home of Manuelita Sáenz
Next to the plazuela is the former home of Manuelita Sáenz (1797-1856), the mistress of revolutionary hero Simón Bolívar (1783-1830) and a revolutionary heroine herself. The home now hosts the Museum of Regional Costumes (Museo de Trajes Regionales). Admission is COP$4,000 (as of April) and it’s open daily except Sundays and holidays.
On the ground floor are representations of traditional clothing in different regions of Colombia. On the upper floor are exhibits of indigenous clothing as well as handicrafts such as weaving and needlepoint.
Colonial Museum
On the next corner a few steps down Carrera 6 is the Colonial Museum (Museo Colonial). The Colonial Museum charges an admission of US$10 for foreigners and COP$8,000 for Colombian citizens and residents (as of December 2023). The price for foreigners is terribly unfair. (Note: I was able to visit in October 2023. I’ll update with pictures and info when I have a chance).
Palace of San Carlos
On the right side about a half block further 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 to 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.
Colón Theatre
Across the street is the Colón Theatre (Teatro de Cristóbal 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 seats.
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.
Military Museum
Finally, just past Carrera 5B is the Military Museum (Museo Militar), which was closed when I tried to visit. It’s closed on Mondays and admission is free (as of April 2024).
Carrera 5 in La Candelaria
Turning south from the Military Museum down Carrera 5 are a few more points of interest.
Camarín del Carmen
First, at the corner of Carrera 5 and Calle 9 is the Camarín del Carmen. It has served several different purposes 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 Salesian College of Leo XIII (Colegio Salesiano de León XIII), which is located next door.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
A few steps south is Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Nuestra Señora del Carmen). It was designed by Italian-Colombian architect and priest Giovanni Buscaglione (1874-1941) and built between 1926 and 1938. The church was designed in the Florentine Gothic style with Byzantine and Arabic influences. It has a Latin cross plan and the nave is divided into three sections. I finally had a chance to visit in October 2023, and I’ll add photos soon.
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.
Archaeological Museum of Bogotá
First, a few steps down Carrera 6 is the Archaeological Museum of Bogotá (Museo Arqueológico Bogotá), or MUSA Bogotá. It’s hosted in the House of the Marquis of San Jorge (Casa del Marqués de San Jorge), which was built in the late 18th century and features a beautiful central courtyard. Admission for foreigners is COP$10,000 (as of April 2024).
The house was purchased in 1972 by Banco Popular. They converted it to the Archaeological Museum, which features a collection of 13,000 pieces of pre-Columbian art, including the largest collection of pre-Columbian ceramics in Colombia.
Church of San Agustín
Across the street from Nariño Palace at 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 at the church by firing squad and buried there.
The church was confiscated by the government in 1862 and converted to a military barracks. It remained as such until 1938, and starting in 1954 the building was returned to its original purpose as a church. Restorations took place between 1954 and 1963, and again from 1980 to 1986.
The Church of San Agustín has a nave that’s divided into three sections. Its Baroque altar is covered in gold leaf, and there are numerous paintings and wooden statues.
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 National Astronomical 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 April 2024). 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 Saint Augustine
Next, at the corner of Carrera 8 and Calle 7 is the Cloister of Saint 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. Popping in only takes a minute and it’s free.
Francisco José de Caldas House Museum
Finally, tucked away on Carrera 8 south of Calle 7 is the Francisco José de Caldas House Museum (Casa Museo Francisco José de Caldas). It features exhibits on the life and work of Colombian military hero, naturalist, inventor, and mathematician Francisco José de Caldas (1768-1816). Admission is free (as of April 2024) and it’s open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.
The house was built around 1770 and Caldas rented it in 1810. The museum opened in 1985. While the museum is very nicely done, it lacks any information in English and only enthusiasts of Colombian history will find it interesting enough to visit.
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.
Adult admission for foreigners is US$10 paid in the equivalent in pesos (as of April 2024) while Colombian citizens and residents pay COP$6,000. Admission is free Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm and the last Sunday of each month. It’s open daily except Mondays from 9am to 5pm. (Note: Foreigners used to be charged the same as Colombians. It’s ridiculous to try and suck US$10 out of their pockets while Colombians pay a little under US$2. The government should be embarrassed for treating foreigners like an ATM. There’s no way it’s worth visiting for that price.)
There are several rooms are decorated with period furniture and other artifacts. One room displays the liberator’s bedroom and some personal effects, including his sword.
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.
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.
