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Usaquén is an upscale district on the far north side of Bogotá. It’s also one of the city’s top foodie destinations.
Introduction to Usaquén
Usaquén was originally a Muisca village and was founded as an indigenous village in 1539. It’s named for Usaque, a Muisca cacique (chief). In the Chibcha language, Usaque means “under the pole”.
Due to the development of swamps and low quality of the land, the village was abandoned by Spanish royal decree in 1777. In March 1816, during the Colombian War of Independence, troops under French General Emmanuel Roërgas de Servíez (1785-1816) and Francisco de Paula Santander (1792-1840) camped in the area.
Usaquén was re-founded in 1846 and elevated to a municipality in 1852. In 1860, a battle between government troops and Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera (1798-1878) took place there. Cipriano won and took control of the country. The urban sprawl of Bogotá reached the town by the early 1950s. It was then annexed in 1954.
Today, Usaquén is mostly inhabited by upper middle and upper class residents. It’s home to several embassies, the largest golf club in Bogotá, shopping malls, and a beautiful colonial quarter with pleasant pedestrianized streets.
Plaza Fundacional de Usaquén
The heart of the neighborhood is a Plaza Fundacional de Usaquén, which retains a few original colonial buildings. There are also lots of bars and restaurants surrounding it.
In the center is a small fountain and a bust of Simón Bolívar (1783-1830). A small playground is off to the side and there’s a basketball court as well.
Church of Santa Barbara
The most prominent building on the plaza is the Church of Santa Barbara (Iglesia de Santa Bárbara). It originated as a small Dominican missionary chapel in 1665 with the purpose of evangelizing the Muisca inhabitants of the village. It was elevated to a parish in 1790 and underwent major renovations in 1845. The tower, designed by French priest Andrés Basset, was built between 1939 and 1941. The church has been administered by the Eudists since 1918.
Usaquén City Hall
The Usaquén City Hall (Alcaldía de Usaquén) is on the west side of the plaza. The building dates back to the late 17th or early 18th century. On one side is a plaque dedicated to Simón Bolívar. Although it was annexed by Bogotá in 1954, the locality is still governed by a mayor.
Hacienda Santa Bárbara
Hacienda Santa Bárbara is a former estate that became one of the first upscale malls in Bogotá. It was originally built around 1776 by architect Fernando Estrada and acquired in the late 19th century by wealthy landowner José María Sierra (1843-1921). It remained a rural property well into the 20th century until it was encompassed by the urban sprawl of Bogotá. The property was named a National Monument in 1985 for its cultural and architectural significance.
Over the years, Hacienda Santa Bárbara was sold off piece by piece. In 1987, Sierra’s great-grandson Guillermo González sold 90% of what was left to a development company that converted it into a shopping mall. It officially opened to the public in 1989.
The mall is spread throughout both the original estate and modern annexes. You’ll find boutique shops, international brands, restaurants, cafés, offices, and a movie theater. The property retains much of its original colonial features, such as adobe walls, clay tile roofing, wooden balconies, and central courtyards.
Usaquén Flea Market
The Usaquén Flea Market (Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén) has taken place every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday Monday since 1990. Over 100 vendors selling handicrafts, art, books, collectibles, antiques, and other items set up along Carrera 6A all the way down to Hacienda Santa Bárbara. You’ll also find street performers and snack vendors.
